Northern red oak

Scientific name: Quercus rubra

Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)

Northern red oak is important to the Ohio timber industry, providing strong hardwood used in the production of beams, railroad ties, furniture, flooring, and more. A popular shade and ornamental tree, the northern red oak is noted for its distinct red-brick autumn foliage and rapid growth rate. Northern red oak acorns mature earlier in the season than most oaks and are enjoyed by many forms of wildlife as a result. Northern red oak prefers moist, deep, rich, well-drained soils of slightly acidic pH and full to partial sun. Other than cosmetic blemishes from insect feeding, this native oak is basically problem-free.

Identification

LEAF: Broadly teardrop shaped with seven to 11 bristle-tipped lobes, 4-9 inches long, up to 6 inches wide with smooth surface, dull green above but paler with small tufts of reddish-brown hair in vein-axils beneath. Sinus depths vary between trees from shallow to nearly mid-rib.

TWIGS AND BUDS: Terminal buds are clustered. Twigs are greenish or reddish-brown, and smooth when mature. Buds are pointed, light brown, and smooth.

FRUIT OR SEED: Acorns are ¾ to 1¼ inches long; the cup is shallow, saucer-shaped, covering ¼ of the nut. Scales are reddish brown, narrow, tight, and sometimes fuzzy on the edges. The acorns develop over two growing seasons, ripening in early summer and late autumn.

BARK: Immature bark is smooth and light gray, maturing to dark gray or nearly black with shiny flattened ridges resembling ski tracks

MATURE HEIGHT: 70-100 feet.

Photo credits: ©Arthur Haines (Native Plant Trust), Donald Cameron, Arieh Tal (https://botphoto.info), Glen Mittelhauser