Red oaks are one of the most common and recognizable deciduous trees in North America. Their brilliant fall foliage and shapely form make them a landscape standout. If you want to identify and learn more about red oaks, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Red Oak Tree Identification
There are over 90 different oak species in North America, and they can be tricky to differentiate But red oaks have some distinct identifying features
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Leaves – The leaves have bristle-tipped lobes and turn vibrant shades of red in autumn. They are alternate, simple, and 5-10 inches long.
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Bark – Young bark is smooth and gray Mature bark develops scaly ridges and deep furrows with a reddish-brown color
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Acorns – The acorns are rounded and barrel-shaped, with a flat, thin cap covering 1/3 of the nut. They ripen over two seasons.
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Flowers – Red oaks have separate male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious). Males are yellow-green catkins and females grow in small spikes.
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branches – The branches of red oaks emerge at right angles, forming a broad irregular crown
Here are pictures of red oak leaves, bark, and acorns to aid in identification:
![Red oak leaves][]
Red Oak Leaves![Red oak bark][]
Red Oak Bark ![Red oak acorns][]
Red Oak Acorns
Common Red Oak Tree Species
There are over a dozen oaks classified as “red oaks” in North America. Some of the most common are:
- Northern Red Oak – Also called champion oak. Grows up to 90 ft. tall. Fast growth rate.
- Southern Red Oak – Medium to large tree reaching 60-80 ft. Tolerates drought.
- Black Oak – Large oak to 75 ft. named for its dark, furrowed bark. Found in eastern/central US.
- Scarlet Oak – Grows to 60-75 ft. Brilliant scarlet red fall color. Prefers moist soil.
- Shumard Oak – Large shade tree growing to 80 ft. Leaves turn red-orange in fall.
- Pin Oak – Medium oak with ascending branches. Foliage transforms to dark red in autumn.
Where Red Oaks Grow
Red oaks thrive in areas with distinct seasons and moderate rainfall throughout their native range. This includes most of eastern North America from Canada down to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas.
They occur in various habitats but prefer moist, well-drained acidic soils. Red oaks are common in mixed hardwood forests as well as suburban areas and parks.
Some species have more limited ranges, like the southern red oak in the southeastern coastal plains and the Shumard oak in central U.S. states.
Planting and Growing Red Oak Trees
Red oaks make excellent shade trees in landscapes and yards. Here are some tips for planting and growing your own:
- Choose an open site with full to partial sun exposure. Avoid compacted clay soils.
- Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to enhance drainage and nutrients.
- Space trees at least 20 feet apart. Allow for future growth up to 60-100 feet tall.
- Water new trees consistently for the first two years until established. Apply mulch to retain moisture.
- Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and mid-fall. Avoid excess nitrogen.
- Prune only dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning that removes the central leader.
Red Oak Tree Care and Maintenance
Red oaks are relatively easy, low maintenance trees once established. Follow these care guidelines for a healthy red oak:
- Water during droughts or dry periods to prevent leaf scorch. Mature trees are somewhat drought tolerant.
- Protect trees from deer, which enjoy munching on red oak foliage and buds. Use fencing if it’s an issue.
- Pick up fallen leaves and debris around the tree in fall to reduce disease risk.
- Monitor for common pests like carpenterworms, borers, mites, and caterpillars. Treat as needed.
- Prune crossed, damaged or diseased branches in late winter. Avoid pruning from spring to mid-summer.
- Have arborists inspect for signs of oak wilt, which can kill red oaks rapidly if left untreated.
With its stately form, seasonal appeal, and wildlife benefits, the red oak makes a wonderful addition to landscapes across its native range. Use this handy guide to identify and learn more about this iconic American tree.
Why Red Oak (Quercus Rubra?
The red oak tree, whose scientific name is Quercus rubra, is fiery, fast, and spiky. It is native to North America and Canada and grows very quickly. It is often used as an ornamental tree because its leaves turn a fiery red in the fall. The birds that nest and the pollinators love it, but it doesn’t help wildlife as much as native oaks do. It has been brought to some remote parts of Western Europe, and these days you can often find it growing in parks and gardens.
The red oak is a broadleaf deciduous tree and has a crown that is conical in shape. The bark is smooth and a silvery gray color when it’s young. As the tree gets older, it gets bumps or warts.
When the wind blows on female flowers, they turn into acorns, which are fruits with a rounded cup around the outside. The ripening process takes place over two and a half years.
Red oak is often grown for its decorative value in public parks, bridges, and private gardens. However, red oak wood is commonly used for constructing wooden goods in North America.
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Interactive Excerpt From USDA Plant Guide
- 4 Good. Posted by Nick on 05/13/19 Came in good health.
- There are five healthy-looking trees that were posted by scott lawrence on May 3, 2019. The trees look brand new and are healthy, and they arrived just in time for planting. Thanks for the helpful instructions. I’m looking forward to seeing them grow.
Red Oak Tree
FAQ
Is red oak a good yard tree?
What is special about red oak trees?
What is the difference between red oak and oak trees?
How many northern red oak tree photos are there?
Browse 235 northern red oak tree photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Browse Getty Images’ premium collection of high-quality, authentic Northern Red Oak Tree stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures.
What color is a red oak tree?
The sapwood of a Red Oak Tree is a white to light brown, and the heartwood is a redder color, mixed with pink and brown. Red Oak Tree wood is very much comparable to a White Oak Tree’s wood; however, a Red Oak has a much more coarse texture and smaller rays. 3. Red Oak Trees Are Porous
How big does a red oak tree get?
Red oaks have trunks measuring 1.6 to 3.2 ft. (0.5 – 1 m) wide, with some specimens measuring over 6 ft. (2 m) in diameter. Red oak is identified in the landscape by its branches growing at right angles, luscious green lobed leaves, small brown acorns, and a straight, erect trunk. Red oak growth rate: Red oaks have rapid growth.
What are some interesting facts about red oak trees?
There are so many incredible facts about Red Oak Trees. Their wood is porous, Red Oak Trees are more abundant than White Oak Trees, they can grow up to 80ft tall, have bitter acorns and don’t produce acorns until they’re at least 20 years old!