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Quercus rubra L. Chêne rouge
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.
Red Oaks grow on river bottomland, gravelly areas, and rocky outcrops.
They prefer a well-drained site for their tap and deep spreading
roots.
Moderate to
low
Medium
Deep, Moist and Sandy-loam
Neutral to acid
High
Moderate
3a
Leaves turn deep
red to a rust copper in the fall.
Leaves can remain into
late fall or early winter.
This oak is a large, broad
and attractive tree.
24m
200-250
Red Oak is a moderate to fast-growing tree that is widely cultivated
and can be planted bareroot or from container stock.
The deep lateral roots
help stabilize the yrs embankments of streams, rivers, lakes, and
protected saltwater coasts.
This oak makes an excellent
shade and wildlife tree for parks, schools, and streets.
Red Oak will moderate
the local micro-climate, adding wildlife habitat and reducing energy
use.
The acorn can
be direct seeded in the fall or seedlings interplanted to provide
diversity to natural areas, parks, and woodlots.
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.
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.
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