red oak - Quercus rubra

This is a common oak in eastern Canada. It ranges from east of Lake Superior to Nova Scotia, and is often planted as a landscape tree. This species grows mixed with other broadleaf trees and is intolerant of shade and competition. Red oak is distinguished from other species of in the red oak group by its shallow acorn cup, reddish buds, and the deeply ridged bark of old trees.

The red oak is a medium sized deciduous tree. They can grow up to 25 m tall, 30-90 cm in diameter, and 150 years old. This tree has a straight trunk with a symmetrically rounded crown. This is an example of one red oak changing with the seasons. Photos by Chris Earley.

Red oak leaves are 10-20 cm long. 7-9 lobes are separated by rounded notches. The upper surface of the leaves is dull yellowish-green and paler underneath. They turn a deep red in autumn. Photo by Chris Earley.

The terminal bud is shiny, reddish-brown and smooth except for a few brownish hairs at the tip. Twigs are moderately stout and reddish-brown. Photo by Sean Fox.

Red oak bark is smooth and grey, with long flat ridges. Photo by Sean Fox.

Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Red Oak. 1995-1999.

Return to tree listing page [1]

References

Farrar, J.L.. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. Toronto. ON. 504 pp.  

Kershaw, L. 2001. Trees in Ontario: Including tall shrubs. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton. AB. 240 pp

Muma, W. 2011. Ontario Trees and Shrubs. [Online] Available: www.ontariotrees.com

OMNR, 2011. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Ontario Tree Atlas. [Online] Available: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/ClimateChange/2ColumnSubPage/267027.html

OMNR, 2008. Ontario’s Biodiversity: Species at Risk.