southern red oak

Also known as Spanish Oak, Bottomland Red Oak, Three-Lobed Red Oak

Southern red oaks dominate dry, sandy uplands across the southeastern region, casting broad shade beneath variable leaves with bell-shaped bases. Their heavy crops of small, tannic acorns mature every two years, feeding turkeys, deer, and blue jays throughout winter. Deep taproots anchor these long-lived trees against severe storm winds while their thick, furrowed bark provides resilience against ground fires.