NAME:
COMMON – Northern Red Oak
BOTANICAL – Quercus rubra
FAMILY – Fagaceae

DERIVATION:
The northern red oak is native to Eastern North America and is found throughout the Piedmont and mountain areas of North Carolina.

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
Can grow 50 to 75 feet tall and equally as wide.

LOCATION:
It commonly grows on mesic slopes and well-drained uplands, lower and middle slopes, coves, ravines, or valley floors.

ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
The northern red oak is typically planted for its ornamental value due to its shape and fall foliage. It is also an important food source for squirrels, deer, and birds. It may be used as a specimen, shade tree, street tree, and in recreational areas.

Inconspicuous male and female flowers appear in the spring, and the fruits appear in the fall. The fruits are acorns that are rounded and large.

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