How to identify Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)

How to identify Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)

Northern red oak stands as a stately deciduous tree reaching heights of 50 to 75 feet (15 to 23 meters) with a similar spread. Its rounded crown boasts branches adorned with large leaves, each 8 to 12 inches long (20 to 30 cm) and 4 to 8 inches wide (10 to 20 cm), showcasing 7 to 11 sharply pointed lobes. The foliage presents a vibrant green on top and a contrasting grayish-white beneath. Spring heralds inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers, followed by the arrival of substantial acorns measuring 0.75 to 1.5 inches (2 to 4 cm) with a shallow cap come fall, dotting the landscape with reddish-brown hues.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Northern red oak

Large lobed leaves, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long with contrasting green and grayish-white undersides.

Distinctive scaly bark ranging from dark gray to light gray, with reddish inner bark visible.

Smooth acorns, 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) in length, with a broad cap covering one-quarter.

Male flowers in drooping yellowish-green catkins, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, on the same tree as female flowers.

Buds on twigs are 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) long, reddish-brown, with hairy or smooth tips for identification.

Detailed Traits of Northern red oak

Leaf Features

The leaves of northern red oak are approximately 7 inches (18 cm) long and feature 7–11 shallow wavy lobes with irregular, bristle-tipped teeth. The leaves are glabrous and exhibit a dull green color on the upper side and a lighter dull green on the underside, with tufts of hairs in the vein angles. In the fall, the leaves turn an attractive brownish-red to scarlet, and some may persist on the tree through winter.

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Flower Features

Northern red oak produces both male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers appear as drooping yellowish-green catkins, measuring approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length. The female flowers are tiny, about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) in diameter, and oval-shaped. Blooming occurs from April to May. After fertilization, the female flowers develop into acorns over a period of two years.

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Stem Features

The stem of northern red oak exhibits a yellowish-brown or reddish-brown hue and is smooth, marked with lenticels. Young stems are light green and smooth. Twigs display a similarly smooth texture and carry lenticels. The leaf buds are about 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) long, reddish-brown, and can be either hairy or smooth at their tips, providing a unique feature for identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of northern red oak is an acorn, typically measuring 0.75 to 1.5 inches (1.9 to 3.8 cm) in length. These acorns usually present themselves either individually or in pairs on an extremely short stem. They exhibit a brown to reddish-brown hue and possess a smooth texture. The acorn features a broad cap that envelops about one-quarter of the nut's top section. The interior of the acorn houses white flesh, which is notably bitter in taste. These fruits mature and become noticeable from August to October.

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Northern red oak and Their Similar Plants

English oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

The english oak (*Quercus robur*) is a deciduous tree native to Europe. It is a very long-lived tree; the oldest known specimens have been living for more than a thousand years. It is commonly represented in European mythologies as a symbol of strength, longevity, nobility, morale, and knowledge.

Pin oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

Quercus palustris, colloquially known as pin oak, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Due to its favorable growing qualities and beautiful bronze coloration in autumn, pin oak is one of the most common oak species used in landscaping.

Live oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

Quercus virginiana, commonly known as live oak, is a large evergreen tree native to coastal areas of southeast North America, known for its imposing, wide crown. Live oak is commonly cultivated as an ornamental in the American South, most often planted in avenues.

White oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

Quercus alba is a long-lived white oak with a broad canopy. The common name, white oak, refers to the color of its processed wood, which has a wide variety of uses - construction, for wine and whiskey barrels, making musical instruments and weapons in Japanese martial arts, etc. White oak is rarely cultivated as an ornamental due to its large size.

Bur oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

A deciduous tree native to North America, the bur oak is large and reaches mature heights over 46 m tall. The acorns that come from this tree are the largest of all the oak trees. Bur oak is used most often for shade, in shelterbelts, or as an ornamental.

Water oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

Water oak (Quercus nigra) is a medium-sized deciduous tree often found in low woodlands, floodplains, and near swamps and rivers in southeastern areas of North America, where it plays an important role in woodland ecosystems. It is rarely used in ornamental purposes due to its unfavorable growing qualities.

Willow oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America. It is easily distinguished from other species of oaks by the shape of its leaves - Quercus phellos has lanceolate, oval leaves which resemble those of willow, hence the common name.

Black oak vs. Northern red oak: What's The Difference?

Black oak (Quercus velutina) is a deciduous tree with a rounded, wide crown, found on hills, slopes, and ridges of eastern North America. The common name refers to the color of its bark. Black oak often hybridizes with other plants of the genus Quercus.

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Key Facts About Northern red oak

Attributes of Northern red oak

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 28 m

Spread

15 m to 21 m

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Brown

Yellow

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Fruit Color

Brown

Green

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Northern red oak

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Northern red oak

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Beeches, walnuts, and allied trees

Family

Beech

Genus

Oaks

Species

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)

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Distribution Map of Northern red oak

Northern red oak's native region is North America, where it prefers dry, hilly woodlands in various soil types with good drainage. It has been introduced to most European countries, and New Zealand, as an ornamental, and is an important lumber source in its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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