Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra 
Northern red oak is one of the most widespread and commercially important of the oaks. It is found on upland slopes or on moist bottomland sites and makes its best growth on fertile, sandy loam soils. The tree is found throughout Missouri except in the southernmost counties of the Bootheel.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 90 ft
- Spread
- 85 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 5" - 8" long; oblong, 7-10 bristle-tipped toothed lobes, shiny dark green
- Flowers
- male flowers in yellow-green catkins; female flowers inconspicuous
- Fruit
- acorn, 1" long with a flat, saucer-like cap
- Bark
- smooth, dark brown on young trees; becoming wide, flat ridges separated by shallow fissures; rough and furrowed on old trees
- Associated species
- white oak, black oak, hickory, flowering dogwood, downy serviceberry
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, partial sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products, windbreaks
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover, dens
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
