Northern Red Oak

This fast-growing oak is known for its hardy dark green leaves that turn bright red in the fall. This Midwest native’s beautiful dense crown provides good shade, and along with its ability to tolerate air pollution and drought, has made it a landscaping favorite.

The Northern Red Oak is a member of the subgenus of red oaks. These oaks are distinguishable from other oaks from their awns (soft bristles) at the ends of leaf lobes, their orange hairs on the leaf underside at vein intersections, and their dark, ridged bark.

Common Name	Northern Red Oak
Latin Name	Quercus rubra
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety
Commercial Name

More about Tree #58:

Where to find Arbor Walk #58

Data on the space around this tree

Data on this tree over time

More about the Northern Red Oak in general:

How to identify Northern Red Oak

Relationship of Quercus rubra to other species in the Arboretum

Global Distribution of the Northern Red Oak

Additional Resources on the Northern Red Oak