J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 • A R B O R D AY. O R G
Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra
THE NORTHERN RED OAK is one of America’s favorite trees and the state tree of New Jersey. In the forest, it has been called “one of the handsomest, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America.” In urban areas, it grows amazingly well under a wide variety of conditions and is an icon of year-round beauty, summer shade, and longevity. The tree’s colorful name comes from its leaves. They are tinged red as they unfurl in the spring and again become a lovely shade of red in autumn.
LEAVES: Alternate on the branch, 4–8 inches long with 7–11 waxy, spine-tipped lobes. Color is a rich green in summer and russet-red to bright red in autumn. FLOWERS: Pale, yellow-green
catkins appear at about the same
time new foliage is opening up, typically April to May.
also browse the buds and twigs in wintertime.
ACORNS: Highly variable but usually about ¾–1 inch long with a flat, saucer-like cap of tight, smooth scales.
PLANTING: Best growth is in deep, rich loam soils or sandy loam. Slower growth in heavier soils. The ideal pH is acidic, between 4 and 7. Full sun is preferred, although partial shade will be tolerated. Suitable for hardiness zones 4–8.
BARK: Dark brown and scaly or smooth when young, becoming deeply furrowed as it matures. FORM: Medium-sized at maturity,
reaching 60–75 feet in height with a single trunk. The crown is symmetrical, rounded, and dense — reaching a spread of up to 45 feet and offering great shade.
To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/red-oak or scan this QR code.
WILDLIFE VALUE: Acorns from
this tree are at the top of the food preference list for blue jays, wild turkeys, squirrels, whitetail deer, raccoons, and black bears. Deer
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