Oak, Northern Red

This is the Northern Red Oak, scientifically known as Quercus rubra. It has one of the largest natural ranges of any Red Oak and is vital to the timber industry. Although it is very fast growing, it can actually live for 300 years! The crown of this tree varies depending on where it is grown. If it is open-grown, it will have a broad, symmetrical, low crown. If it is forest grown, it will have a clear trunk until the top where you will find a small, rounded crown. The funny thing about this tree is that its acorns are sufficiently large to discourage use by smaller species and are low in preference by larger species, making the tree's wildlife value very limited. You'll notice that the leaves have 7 to 11 bristle-tipped lobes with a dull green and smooth upper surface. Mature bark of the Northern Red Oak is dark brown with wide, gray ridges. With age, the lower bark can become blocky and nearly black.