Northern Red Oak
ExploreTrees
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
The Northern Red Oak is a big tree with pointy leaves that turn bright red in the fall. This tree is a great shade provider on sunny days!
Habitat: Deciduous forests
Appearance
The Northern Red Oak has distinct dark, reddish-brown bark with shiny strips as it matures, earning it the 'red' in its name. Its large, lobed leaves turn a brilliant deep red or reddish-brown in autumn, making it stand out in the forest. It forms a broad, rounded canopy.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
17
Interesting facts
Its acorns take two years to fully develop on the tree!
Its strong wood is famous for making beautiful floors and furniture.
Many animals, like deer and bears, love to munch on its acorns.
This oak can live longer than your great-great-grandparents combined!
Special abilities
Ability
Deep-Root Anchor
Northern Red Oak can grow an extensive root system that helps it stand strong against winds and access deep water during dry spells.
Ability
Acorn Powerhouse
Northern Red Oak produces abundant acorns, packed with energy, that provide vital food for countless forest creatures, aiding seed dispersal.
Ability
Winter Survivalist
Northern Red Oak drops all its leaves in fall, reducing water loss and helping it conserve energy to survive freezing winter temperatures.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-30 m
- Canopy Spread
- 15-25 m
- Edible
- No
- Trunk Diameter
- 50-100 cm
- Lifespan
- 150-500 years
- Fruit Type
- Acorn
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Loves to bury and eat its acorns.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on young leaves and acorns.
shelters
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Nests in cavities of mature oaks.
symbiotic with
Fly Agaric
Amanita muscaria
Forms beneficial root connections.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Eastern Red Oak
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Northern Red Oak?
20-30 m
How wide does Northern Red Oak spread?
15-25 m
Is Northern Red Oak edible?
No
How big is Northern Red Oak?
50-100 cm
How long does Northern Red Oak live?
150-500 years
Where is Northern Red Oak usually found?
Deciduous forests
What kind of fruit does Northern Red Oak produce?
Acorn
How fast does Northern Red Oak grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
.JPG)
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Massachusetts, US
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New York, US
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Parc Jean-Drapeau
You might spot Groundhog, Ring-Billed Gull, and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
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North Carolina, US
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You might spot African Lion, Giraffes, and Common Ostrich.
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Parc de l'Amérique-Latine
You might spot Double-Crested Cormorant, Rock Pigeon, and Wild Bergamot.
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Park98 sightings11 species
New Jersey, US
Yantacaw Park
You might spot Great Egret, Eastern White Pine, and Haircap Moss.
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