TREES OF
LAKE DAVIDSON NP
Southern Red Oak
(Quercus falcata)
NAME:
COMMON – Southern Red Oak
BOTANICAL – Quercus falcata
FAMILY – Fagaceae
DERIVATION:
Native deciduous tree found in all areas of NC up to 2,000 ft. of elevation.
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
Grows 60 to 100 feet tall and spread 50-60 feet with a broad open rounded form.
LOCATION:
It is naturally found on poor upland mesic soils in much of eastern and central USA but also occasionally found along streams. It should be grown in full sun to part shade on well-drained, acidic, sandy loam, gravelly or clay loam soils. It is drought tolerant but will tolerate occasional flooding.
ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
Acorns need 2 years to mature as is the norm for red oaks. There are 2 different types of leaves and they are tan and downy on the undersides which contrast nicely with the dark lustrous green on top, especially in the wind.
Use this tree for shade in parks and residential areas. Its drought tolerance makes it especially useful as a street tree. The acorns attract a variety of birds and mammals and like other native oaks, it is a high-value wildlife plant.
.
