Northern Red Oak

Northern Red Oak
Northern Red Oak
Northern Red Oak
Northern Red Oak
Northern Red Oak

Common Names

  • Red Oak

Scientific Names

  • Quercus rubra
  • Fagaceae family
Basic Landscape Attributes
Height Range: 
60-75 ft. height
Fall Colors: 
Russet-red to bright red in fall
Width Range: 
45 ft. spread
Flower Type: 
Produces male and female flowers on same tree Male flowers arranged in drooping yellow-green catkins Female flowers produced individually or in clusters of 2-5, ovoid shape
Shape: 
Broadly rounded shape

History of
the Tree Species

  • Favored by loggers and landscapers since the colonial era.
  • Transplanted to Europe in the late 18th century -- Bishop Compton's garden received the first transplant.

Basic Growing Conditions

  • Full sun
  • Prefers normal moisture
  • Tolerates some drought
  • Does fine in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils
Northern Red Oak
Northern Red Oak

Scientific Facts

  • Acorns are edible but bitter. Soaking them in water draws out tannins (boiling more effective)
  • Used to support the body's integumentary system (skin, nails, hair)
  • Also, astringent and antiseptic
  • Bark tea can be used externally on wounds or as a gargle

Location on tree on Shelby Ave:

About Us

The Shelby Avenue Arboretum is a community-grown project led by Nashville Tree Conservation Corps and is in partnership with NTCC and Metro Nashville.

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Contact Us

Contact
help@treeconservationcorps.org
Contact

Nashville Tree Conservation Corps
PO BOX 60683
Nashville, TN 37206

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