Plant
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubraAlso known as Common Red Oak, Champion Oak
Northern red oaks dominate the canopy across eastern North American forests, easily identified by their sharp-lobed, bristle-tipped leaves that turn brilliant crimson in autumn. These canopy giants produce vast acorn crops every two to five years, driving local rodent and bird population cycles through dramatic masting events. Their deeply furrowed dark bark develops distinctive pale vertical striping on upper branches that shines like ski tracks against winter woods.
DeciduousHardwoodAcorn Producer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
- Spongy Moth
- Oak Wilt Fungus
- Acorn Weevil
ThreatsOak Wilt, Spongy Moth Infestations, Forest Fragmentation
HabitatsUpland Deciduous Forests, Mixed Woodlands, Urban Parks
Life span200–500 years
Classification
- OrderFagales
- FamilyFagaceae
- GenusQuercus
- SpeciesQuercus rubra
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Leaf Identification: Look for 7 to 11 lobes with sharp, bristle-tipped points and shallow sinuses.
- Bark Inspection: Check upper trunks for smooth, shiny vertical ridges resembling ski tracks.
- Seasonal Timing: Visit in early autumn to witness brilliant red canopy foliage and heavy acorn drop.
Seed Disperser (c) Diliff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Seed Disperser (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-Occurring Tree (c) Alicia Ballard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) hr_dragonfly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by hr_dragonfly · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
The Forest Floor
Northern Red Oak is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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