Family: Fagaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 996 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Quercus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Northern red oak, scientifically known as Quercus rubra, is a prominent and majestic species belonging to the Fagaceae family. This deciduous tree has garnered considerable attention and admiration for its robustness, aesthetic appeal, and ecological significance.
First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753, Quercus rubra has since become a staple in forested regions, particularly spanning southeastern Canada, extending to North Carolina, and stretching throughout the eastern United States. This extensive geographical range underscores the tree’s adaptability and resilience in various climatic conditions.
Northern red oak trees are distinguished by their imposing stature, often achieving heights of up to 90 feet with a trunk diameter ranging from 2 to 3 feet. The bark of mature trees exhibits a striking dark brown to grayish hue, featuring distinctive ridges and furrows that lend a rugged texture to the tree’s exterior. The leaves of Quercus rubra are equally remarkable, boasting a striking, deep-lobed structure with sharp, bristle-tipped points, transitioning from a rich green in the summer to a fiery red in the autumn, thereby contributing to the vibrant fall foliage.
Ecologically, the Northern red oak plays a critical role in its native habitats. It provides food and shelter for a wide array of wildlife. The acorns produced by Quercus rubra are a vital food source for many mammals, including deer, squirrels, and various bird species. In addition, its expansive canopy offers a habitat for numerous insects and birds, promoting biodiversity within its ecosystem.
Moreover, Northern red oak is highly valued in the timber industry. Its hardwood is prized for its strength, durability, and appealing grain, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and construction. This economic significance further accentuates the importance of sustainable management and conservation efforts to ensure the longevity of this species.
In urban and suburban landscapes, the Northern red oak is often planted for its shade, ornamental qualities, and ability to thrive in varied soil conditions. However, it is important to note that this species requires ample space due to its large size and extensive root system.
In conclusion, Quercus rubra, or the Northern red oak, stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and resilience. From its ecological contributions to its economic value and ornamental beauty, this tree continues to embody the essence of the forests spanning southeastern Canada to North Carolina and throughout the eastern United States. Its enduring presence in both wild and cultivated settings highlights the significant role this species plays in our natural and cultural landscapes.
Common Names
Nld: amerikaanse eik
Fra: chêne rouge, chêne rouge d’amérique, chêne rouge damérique, chêne boréal
Pol: dąb czerwony
Eng: northern red oak, red oak
Ita: quercia rossa
Lit: raudonasis ąžuolas
Deu: rot-eiche, roteiche
Dan: rød-eg
Por: carvalho, carvalho-vermelho-americano, carvalho-vermelho-do-norte, robleamericano
Ces: dub
Fin: punatammi
Swe: punatammi, rödek
Nno: raudeik
Nob: rødeik
Lav: sarkanais ozols
Hun: vörös tölgy
Cym: derw coch, derwen goch
En: Northern red oak, Red oak, Oó’omêše, American red Oak
Af: Amerikaanse rooi-eik
Ar: بلوط أحمر
Hy: Կաղնի կարմիր
Az: Qırmızı palıd
Eu: Haritz amerikarra, Haritz gorria
Be: Дуб чырвоны
Bg: Червен дъб
Ca: Roure americà
Zh: 北美紅橡
Cs: Dub červený, Dub
Da: Rød-Eg
Nl: Amerikaanse eik
Eo: Ruĝa kverko
Et: Punane tamm
Fi: Punatammi
Fr: Chêne rouge, Chêne rouge d’Amérique, Chêne rouge damérique, Chêne boréal
Gl: Carballo americano
Ka: Ჩრდილოეთის წითელი მუხა
De: Amerikanische Roteiche, Rot-Eiche, Roteiche
Hu: Vörös tölgy
Is: Rauðeik
It: Quercia rossa, Quercia rossa d’America
Lv: Sarkanais ozols
Lt: Raudonasis ąžuolas
Lb: Routeech
Mk: Црвен даб
No: Rødeik
Nb: Rødeik
Nn: Raudeik
Fa: بلوط قرمز شمالی
Pl: Dąb czerwony
Pt: Carvalho-americano, Carvalho, Carvalho-vermelho-americano, Carvalho-vermelho-do-norte, Robleamericano
Ru: Дуб красный
Sr: Црвени храст
Sk: Dub červený
Es: Rdeči hrast, Roble americano, Roble rojo
Sv: Rödek, Punatammi
Zh-tw: 北美紅橡
Zh-hant: 北美紅橡
Uk: Дуб червоний
Cy: Derwen goch, Derw Coch
Synonyms
- Quercus cuneata (Dippel)
- Quercus michauxii (F.Dietr.)
- Quercus acerifolia (G.Kirchn.)
- Quercus rubra var. pendula (de Vos)
- Quercus borealis f. flabellata ((Croizat) Rehder)
- Quercus rubra f. cuneata (Trel.)
- Quercus coccinea var. ambigua (A.Gray)
- Quercus sada (Mast.)
- Quercus rubra var. ambigua ((A.Gray) Fernald)
- Quercus rubra var. borealis ((F.Michx.) Farw.)
- Quercus rubra var. ramosissima (Marshall)
- Quercus rubra var. subserrata (Lam.)
- Erythrobalanus rubra ((L.) O.Schwarz)
- Quercus rubra f. obovata (Trel.)
- Quercus borealis var. flabellata (Croizat)
- Quercus borealis var. maxima ((Marshall) Sargent)
- Quercus maxima ((Marshall) Ashe)
- Quercus rubra var. latifolia (Aiton)
- Quercus angulizana (Raf.)
- Quercus rubra var. maxima (Marshall)
- Quercus rubra var. hispanica (Castigl.)
- Quercus rubra f. houbae (Trel.)
- Quercus rubra f. juvenilis (Trel.)
- Quercus rubra var. latepinnatifida (Kuntze)
- Quercus borealis (F.Michx.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Hungary (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Krym (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Sardegna (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Switzerland (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 21, 2021 by seb dan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Hjm Hjm (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Anne Maugé (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by G. Tisserand (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2019 by Massimo Massimo (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 16, 2021 by bikandi inhar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 27, 2020 by Palo Rapos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Jeff B (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Navas Pablo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2021 by S. L. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by G. Tisserand (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 4, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Kateřina Kolmanová (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Palo Rapos (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2018 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2018 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Jeff B (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2021 by florence benedetti (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Samhan182 (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:296701-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2880539)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus rubra L.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.3
Ph minimum: 4.3
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 4