# 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! - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 26 - **Habitat:** Deciduous forests - **Also known as:** Eastern Red Oak ![Northern Red Oak](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426312/objects/4784.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Fagales - **Family:** Fagaceae - **Genus:** Quercus ## 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 - **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. - **Acorn Powerhouse:** Northern Red Oak produces abundant acorns, packed with energy, that provide vital food for countless forest creatures, aiding seed dispersal. - **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 - **Spread:** 15-25 m - **Edible:** No - **Size:** 50-100 cm - **Lifespan:** 150-500 years - **Fruit Type:** Acorn - **Growth Rate:** Medium - **Leaf Type:** Deciduous ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Gray Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-gray-squirrel) (*Sciurus carolinensis*) — Loves to bury and eat its acorns. - **Eaten by:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Browses on young leaves and acorns. - **Shelter:** [Eastern Bluebird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-bluebird) (*Sialia sialis*) — Nests in cavities of mature oaks. - **Symbiotic with:** [Fly Agaric](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fly-agaric) (*Amanita muscaria*) — Forms beneficial root connections. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## 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 to identify Northern Red Oak? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Bald Eagle State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bald-eagle-state-forest) — Pennsylvania, US · Forest - [Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blackhand-gorge-state-nature-preserve) — Ohio, US · Nature Reserve - [Brattleboro Downtown Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brattleboro-downtown-historic-district) — Vermont, US · Historic District - [Bristol Downtown Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bristol-downtown-historic-district) — Vermont, US · Historic District - [Currier Park Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/currier-park-historic-district) — Vermont, US · Historic District - [East Windsor Hill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/east-windsor-hill-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District [View all places to see Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/northern-red-oak) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) - [Sugar Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sugar-maple) (*Acer saccharum*) --- Source: [Northern Red Oak: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak)