Red Oak

Fagaceae

LIFE FORM: Tree

NATIVITY: Eastern North America

VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

60 to 80 feet tall; alternate, dark green leaves with 7 to 11 lobes; young leaves reddish when unfolding; bark with smooth gray areas separated by rough patches.

FLOWERS:

Delicate racemes of light yellow flowers in mid-spring.

FRUIT/DISPERSAL AGENTS:

Medium brown acorns are about an inch long, hoarded by squirrels; heavy crops produced every 3 to 5 years; resprouts readily following injury.

ECOLOGICAL PREFERENCE:

A fast-growing upland species that is often cultivated in the city. Prefers mininally maintained public parks and open space; woodlands that develop on abandoned open space.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTION:

Heat reduction in paved areas; food and/or habitat for wildlife; erosion control on slopes.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

A common native species that has managed to flourish in the urban environment; the foliage is rich in tannins.