|
Red Oak (Quercus Rubra) The Red Oak is a medium sized tree that can grow fast, as much as 2 feet a year for 10 years, and can reach a height of 60 to 75 feet. Leaves are 5 to 8 inches long with 7 to 11 three toothed, sharply pointed waxy lobes. The leaves alternate on the branches and are pinkish as they emerge, rich green in summer, and then turn russet-red to brilliant red in the fall. Acorns are 1 inch in diameter and can grow alone or in pairs. The flowers are pale yellow-green catkins that appear about the same time leaves appear. The tree grows in a variety of soils except on very dry or very wet places. Full sun is best but partial shade is tolerable, up to ¼ shade. The wood can be used in many different ways, such as; flooring, trim, veneer, furniture, cabinets, crates, boats, caskets, crossties, mine timbers, fence posts, hardwood lumber, and wildlife. It is appreciated for it’s strength, dense shade, fall colors, longevity; 300 years, and its ability to live under most urban conditions. |
