northern red oak

plant

Also known as: Quercus rubra

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The northern red oak (Quercus rubra) is a species of tree in the Quercus genus, belonging to the beech family (Fagaceae). It is native to North America and is part of the red oak subgenus (Erythrobalanus), characterized by bristle-tipped leaves, acorns with hairy shell linings, and seeds that mature over two seasons.1

The northern red oak is often cultivated as an ornamental tree. It grows into a large, round-headed tree, typically reaching about 25 meters (80 feet) in height, though it can grow up to 45 meters (150 feet). Its leaves are oblong with 7 to 11 lobes and turn a reddish-orange in the autumn. The acorns are approximately 3 cm long and are held in a shallow cup. Timber from this tree is commercially known as "red oak".1

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red oak
…two important timber trees, the northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and the southern red oak, or Spanish oak (Q. falcata). The northern red oak is often cultivated as an ornamental; it grows rapidly into a round-headed, wide-spreading tree about 25 m (80 feet) tall, occasionally to 45 m (150 feet).…
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…two important timber trees, the northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and the southern red oak, or Spanish oak (Q. falcata). The northern red oak is often cultivated as an ornamental; it grows rapidly into a round-headed, wide-spreading tree about 25 m (80 feet) tall, occasionally to 45 m (150 feet).…
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oak
Major species and uses
palustris) and northern red oak (Q. rubra). White oak (Q. alba) and bur oak (Q. macrocarpa) form picturesque oak groves locally in the Midwestern United States. Many oaks native to the Mediterranean area have economic value: galls produced on the twigs of the Aleppo oak (Q.
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palustris) and northern red oak (Q. rubra). White oak (Q. alba) and bur oak (Q. macrocarpa) form picturesque oak groves locally in the Midwestern United States. Many oaks native to the Mediterranean area have economic value: galls produced on the twigs of the Aleppo oak (Q.
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tree
Growth ring formation
Red oak (Quercus rubra) does not have tyloses, whereas white oak (Q. alba) does; this is why white oak is used to make whiskey barrels, while red oak cannot be utilized for this purpose.
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Red oak (Quercus rubra) does not have tyloses, whereas white oak (Q. alba) does; this is why white oak is used to make whiskey barrels, while red oak cannot be utilized for this purpose.
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