Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblovate to oblong, pinnately lobed with 7-11 lobes ending in bristly points
Margin
Lobed with bristly-toothed margins
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig
Venation
Pinnate venation with prominent midrib and primary veins
Key Features
Acorns with shallow, saucer-like caps; inner bark that is reddish or pinkish near the cambium; alternate lobed leaves with bristle-tipped points
Description
The Northern Red Oak is a majestic deciduous tree known for its strong trunk, broad rounded crown, and valuable hardwood. While the provided image displays an acorn rather than a leaf, the Northern Red Oak produces characteristic stout acorns with flat, saucer-like cups covering only the base of the nut.
Habitat
Found in mixed deciduous forests, well-draining upland soils, and along stream banks, preferring acidic, loamy soils
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Nova Scotia south to Georgia, and west to the Great Plains