Red Oak

(Quercus Rubra)

Interesting Information About Plant:  

     Quercus, the Latin name for oak, means “a fine tree.”  Red Oak is an important source of lumber and is used for flooring, furniture, railroad cross-ties, mine timbers, millwork, fence posts, pilings, pulpwood, and other things.  Its bark is rich in tannins.  Besides being one of the fastest -growing oaks, Red Oak also transplants without difficulty, endures cold temperatures well, and resists various unfavorable city conditions, such as air pollutants, poor drainage, compressed soil, or drought.  The Gypsy moth is the most common insect known to pester Red Oak.  Oak wilt is a fatal disease that affects Red Oak.  Infection by this disease has led to widespread tree damage in various regions.  Red Oak has become a well-liked landscaping alternative and is often used to line streets as well as to landscape parks.  Its shading capability makes it quite popular as well.  Red Oak fruit, in the shape of acorns, can also be easily cleaned up or eaten by squirrels.  Red Oak buds (in the fall), young shoots (in the early spring), sprouts, and acorns can be toxic to some animals such as cattle, sheep, and possibly deer.  Ingestion of these parts of Red Oak results in kidney failure in these animals.  Loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, increased drinking and urination, edema, and even death are symptoms of poisoning by Red Oak.

Scientific Name: Quercus Rubra

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Fagaceae   (Beech)

Continent of Origin: North America

Plant Growth Habit: Large Tree

Height at Maturity: More than 10 Feet

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habitat: Full Sun 

Manner of Culture: Native Species 

Thorns on Younger Stem: No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish  

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: More Than The Diameter of a Coffee-Mug 

Produces Brownish Bark: No

Bark Peeling in Many Areas: No

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: Lines Go Up and Down; Rough, Ridged, Furrowed

Type of Leaf: Flat, Thin Leaf  

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet): Longer Than a Writing Pen

Leaf Complexity: Simple 

Edge of Leaf: Serrated

Leaf Arrangement: Alternate 

Leaf has Petiole: Yes 

Patterns of Main-Veins on Leaf (or Leaflet): Pinnate 

Leaf Hairiness: No Hairs  

Color of Foliage in Summer: Green 

Change in Color of Foliage in October: Changes to Reddish-Brown

Flowering Season: Spring 

Flowers: in Loose Group 

Type of Flower: Like a Grass Flower (inconspicuous)

Color of Flower: Brown  

Shape of Individual Flower: Radially Symmetrical

Size of Individual Flower: Smaller than a Quarter  

Sexuality: Male and Female on Same Plant

Size of Fruit: Smaller than a Quarter

Fruit Fleshiness: Dry

Shape of Fruit: Acorn-like

Color of Fruit at Maturity: Red-Brown or Dry

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels: Yes   

Common Name(s): Red Oak, Northern Red Oak, Common Red Oak, Eastern Red Oak, Gray Oak, Mountain Red Oak

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One: Pin Oak, White Oak

Unique Morphological Features of Plant: Red Oak trees that are grown in open areas form a rounded crown.  This feature allows the tree to be a popular source of shade as well as landscaping option.  Though its flowers are inconspicuous, Red Oak leaves are very showy in the fall.  Its characteristically ridged and furrowed bark is often described as looking like ski trails.

Poisonous:    Part of Plant

Pestiness (weedy, hard to control): No

Page prepared by:

Sarah Todd                                                

November 2004