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Hardwood - Red oak

Red oak
Quercus rubra L.

Description
Red oak is best identified by the small capped acorns and lobed leaves with pointed tips. This tree is the more common of the two native oaks found in the Maritime Provinces.

Habitat
Red oaks grow on river bottomland, gravelly areas, and rocky outcrops. They prefer a well-drained site for their tap and deep spreading roots.

Mature Height: 24m
Life Expectancy: 200-250

Shade Tolerance: Moderate to low
Moisture Preference: Medium
Soil: Deep, Moist and Sandy-loam
ph Level: Neutral to acid
Salt Tolerance: High
Pollution Tolerance: Moderate
Hardiness Zone: 3a

Aesthetics
Fall Colours: Leaves turn deep red to a rust copper in the fall.
Foliage: Leaves can remain into late fall or early winter.
Form: This oak is a large, broad and attractive tree.

Planting Benefits
Red Oak is a moderate to fast-growing tree that is widely cultivated and can be planted bareroot or from container stock.
Erosion: The deep lateral roots help stabilize the yrs embankments of streams, rivers, lakes, and protected saltwater coasts.
Shade: This oak makes an excellent shade and wildlife tree for parks, schools, and streets.
Windbreaks: Red Oak will moderate the local micro-climate, adding wildlife habitat and reducing energy use.
Reforestation: The acorn can be direct seeded in the fall or seedlings interplanted to provide diversity to natural areas, parks, and woodlots.

Wildlife
White-tail deer, black bears, raccoons, squirrels, blue jays, and small rodents all eat acorns. Large trees with cavities make good habitat for birds and mammals.

Uses and Lore
Traditionally, many rural people planted oaks to attract lightening away from their homes. A beautiful yellow dye can be made from the bark of the Red Oak. The Red Oak is the provincial tree of Prince Edward Island.