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RED OAK (Southern Red Oak) 



(Quercus rubra Linn., formerly Q. digitata Sudw.) 



THE southern red oak, commonly known as red 

 oak and referred to in books as Spanish oak, 

 usually grows to a height of 70 to 80 feet and a di- 

 ameter of 2 to 3 feet, though larger trees are not 

 infrequently found. It is one of the most common 

 southern upland oaks. Its large .spreading branches 

 form a broad, round, open top. The bark is rough, 



though not 

 deeply fur- 

 rowed, and 

 varies from 

 light gray on 

 younger trees 

 to dark gray or 

 almost black on 

 older ones. 



The leaves 

 are of two dif- 

 ferent types: 

 (1) irregular- 

 shaped lobes, 

 mostly narrow, 

 bristle - tipped, 

 the central lobe 

 often the longest; or (2) pear-shaped with 3 rounded 

 lobes at the outer end. They are dark lustrous 

 green above and gray downy beneath, the contrast 

 being strikingly seen in a wind or rain storm. 



The flowers appear in April while the leaves are 

 unfolding. The fruit ripens the second years. The 

 small rounded acorn, about half an inch long, is 

 set in a thin saucer-shaped cup which tapers to a 

 short stem. 



The wood is heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, 

 and is less .subject to defects than most other red 

 oaks. It is used for rough lumber and for furni- 

 ture, chairs, tables, etc. It is a desirable timber 

 tree, especially on the poorer, drier soils. The bark 

 is rich in tannin. 



The freedom of this tree from disease, it«s thrifty 

 growth, large handsome form and long life make 

 it very desirable for shade or ornamental use. 



SOUTHBRiN RED OAK 

 Leaf, one-third naturnl si» 

 Twig, one-half natural siz( 



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