A Complete Guide to Pictures of Red Oak Trees

Red oak trees are one of the most common and recognizable deciduous trees in North America. Their brilliant fall foliage and shapely form make them a popular choice for landscapes. If you want to identify and learn more about red oaks through pictures this guide has you covered.

What Do Red Oak Trees Look Like?

There are over 90 oak species in North America, but red oaks have some typical identifying features

• Leaves – The leaves have lobed edges with bristle tips. They turn bright red in fall. Red oak leaves are 5-10 inches long.

• Bark – Young bark is smooth and gray. Mature bark has scaly ridges and deep furrows with a reddish-brown color.

• Acorns – The acorns are round and barrel-shaped with a flat thin cap covering 1/3 of the nut. They take two seasons to ripen.

• Branches – Red oak branches emerge at right angles, forming a broad, irregular crown.

Here are some pictures to help identify red oak trees by their leaves, bark, and acorns:

Red Oak Leaves

Red Oak Bark

Red Oak Acorns

Common Red Oak Tree Species

There are over a dozen oak species classified as “red oaks.” Some of the most common are:

• Northern Red Oak – Also called champion oak. Grows up to 90 ft. Fast growth rate.

• Southern Red Oak – Medium to large tree reaching 60-80 ft. Tolerates drought.

• Black Oak – Large oak to 75 ft. named for dark, furrowed bark. Found in eastern/central US.

• Scarlet Oak – Grows to 60-75 ft. Brilliant red fall color. Prefers moist soil.

• Shumard Oak – Large shade tree growing to 80 ft. Foliage turns red-orange in fall.

• Pin Oak – Medium oak with ascending branches. Leaves transform to dark red in autumn.

Where Red Oaks Grow

Red oaks thrive in areas with distinct seasons and moderate rainfall throughout their native range. This includes most of eastern North America from Canada to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas.

They occur in various habitats but prefer moist, well-drained acidic soils. Red oaks are common in mixed hardwood forests as well as parks and suburban areas.

Some species like the southern red oak and Shumard oak have more limited ranges in southeastern coastal plains and central U.S. states.

Red Oak Tree Pictures Through the Seasons

Here are pictures showing what red oak trees look like in spring, summer, fall, and winter:

Spring

In spring, red oaks leaf out with fresh new green foliage. The trees also produce dangling clusters of pale green flowers.

Red Oak in Spring

Summer

During summer, red oak trees are covered in dark green, glossy leaves. Some specimens may have a red tint on the leaf stems and veins.

Red Oak in Summer

Fall

Red oaks put on a brilliant display of fall color. The leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, burgundy, and bronze.

Red Oak in Fall

Winter

In winter, the bare branches of red oaks reveal their stout, reddish-brown trunks. Small brown acorns often persist on the trees through winter.

Red Oak in Winter

Interesting Facts About Red Oak Trees

• Red oaks can live 200-400 years, with some exceptional trees reaching 500-600 years old.

• Their wood is porous and used for furniture, flooring, barrels, and construction lumber.

• Red oak acorns take two years to mature, while white oak acorns only take one year.

• These trees provide food and habitat for wildlife like deer, turkeys, squirrels, and more than 100 bird species.

• Red oak leaves can have shallow lobes (northern red oak) or deep spiny lobes (scarlet oak).

• The Wye Oak in Maryland was the largest recorded red oak, measuring over 100 ft. tall before it fell in a storm in 2002.

How to Identify a Red Oak Tree

To identify a red oak, look for:

• Lobes leaves with bristle tips

• Rounded, barrel-shaped acorns with thin caps

• Dark gray, furrowed bark

• Branches emerging at right angles

Compare it to similar trees like pin oaks, black oaks, and white oaks. Examine the leaves, bark, branching structure, and fruits like acorns to determine the species.

Where to See Red Oak Trees

Red oaks are very common across eastern and central North America. Some places to spot magnificent red oak specimens include:

• Smoky Mountains National Park – Scarlet oaks in fall are stunning.

• Central Park, NYC -Numerous mature red oaks.

• Mt. Auburn Cemetery, MA – Historic red oaks line the lanes.

• Morton Arboretum, Chicago area – Various red oak species.

• Highlands, NC – One of the best areas to see fall color.

• Missouri Botanical Garden – Display various red oak types.

Check your local parks, nature preserves, suburbs, and forests to find red oaks near you. They are adaptable trees that thrive across diverse regions and landscapes.

How to Plant and Grow a Red Oak

Here are some tips if you want to plant your own red oak:

• Pick an open site with full sun or partial shade exposure.

• Amend the soil with compost to enhance drainage and nutrients.

• Allow ample room for growth up to 60-100 feet tall.

• Water new trees consistently for the first two years. Apply mulch to retain moisture.

• Prune only dead or damaged branches to shape the canopy.

• Protect young trees from deer, which enjoy munching on oak leaves and buds.

With brilliant fall colors, wildlife benefits, and stately form, red oaks make excellent shade and landscape trees across most of eastern North America. Use this guide and picture gallery to identify and appreciate this iconic forest tree.