One of the most common and abundant oak species in Massachusetts, red oak grows straight and tall, with stout branches at right angles to the trunk. It is distinguished by its bark featuring prolonged ridges and cracks. Cracks may have reddish tint and a light-colored stripe along the central part. Red oak is the only oak in our area with pronounced striped cracks all the way along upper and lower trunk. Leaves are alternate, 7- to 9-lobed, sized 5-7 x 4-6." Their lobes taper gradually from broad bases, terminating with long, bristle-pointed teeth. Counting from the apex, the second pair of lobes are the largest. Leaves of red oak are less deeply cut than those of many other oaks of the red oak group (with the exception of black oak which can be similar). Acorns require 2 years of growth to mature. They are large and plump, with shallow, flat cups that can be up to 2 cm in diameter. The kernel is very bitter, yet consumed by deer, squirrels, and birds. Red oak is valued for lumber, veneer, railroad ties, and fence posts. Its longevity (to 500 years), rapid growth, and adaptability to varied soils and situations makes it a popular street and specimen tree.

Recovering upon defoliation by winter moth. Tidmarsh Sanctuary, Plymouth, July 25, 2015

Leaves and a cynipid gall (gall wasp). Stony Brook Reservation, Boston, August 6

Young acorns. Boxford SF, July 25

Ripe acorns. Noanet Woods, Dover, October 31