Quercus rubra L. – Family: Fagaceae

General Characteristics

A deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall, with cracked brown bark and a globose crown. 

The leaves are up to 18 cm long, elliptical, with deep lobes extending beyond the middle of the blade and pointed tips. 

The flowers are arranged in unisexual inflorescences: the male flowers are pendulous catkins up to 12 cm long, and the female flowers have solitary flowers with red stigmas. 

The fruits are short-petioled acorns, rounded, enclosed by a flattened cupule.

USES

The species, which grows quickly, is used for reforestation and roadside plantings. The wood is a good fuel. Unlike the hornbeam and the oak, the wood cannot be used to make barrels.

CURIOSITIES

The species was introduced to Europe in 1691 for ornamental purposes, due to its reddish foliage in autumn.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

A species native to the eastern United States. 

Warning! It is an invasive species.