Northern Red Oak

The Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is a majestic, fast-growing deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It’s a key member of the red oak group, distinguished by its leaves with 7 to 11 bristle-tipped lobes. The foliage is a glossy dark green in summer, turning a stunning russet-red or bright red in autumn. Its bark is smooth and gray on young trees, developing into shallow, flat-topped ridges with a distinctive “ski track” pattern on mature trunks. The tree produces acorns that mature over two years and are a valuable food source for wildlife. With a straight trunk and a broad, rounded crown, the Northern Red Oak can reach heights of 50 to 75 feet, with some specimens growing even taller. It is a long-lived tree, often surviving for over 200 years.

The Northern Red Oak’s dense, spreading canopy provides excellent shade, helping to cool homes and outdoor areas during the summer. The tree is a keystone species in its native ecosystem. Its acorns are a critical food source for a wide variety of animals, including squirrels, deer, turkeys, and blue jays. The tree’s structure and foliage also provide essential nesting sites and habitat for numerous birds and insects. It is a resilient and adaptable tree that tolerates a range of soil types and urban stressors, including drought, poor soil conditions, and air pollution, making it a good choice for streetscapes, parks, and large yards. The tree’s stately form and vibrant red fall color make it a beautiful focal point in any landscape, providing seasonal interest and a sense of permanence.