Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

 The simple leaves are from 13 to 20 cm (5 to 8 in.) long and deeply lobed.  The distinguishing characteristic of the red oaks is the sharp point at the end of each lobe.  Red oaks can grow to enormous size.  The trunk diameter of adult trees ranges from 60 cm to 1.2 m (2 to 4ft.) and occasionally reaches a height of 45 m (150 ft.).  It has massive, wide spreading branches that form a broadly rounded crown.  Red oaks prefer well-drained soils.  They are common in the north and northeastern forests. 

 The wood is heavy, hard, strong and close-grained.  Although sometimes considered inferior to the White Oak as a timber tree, the wood is commonly used in furniture, construction, interior finish and railroad ties.

 The acorns, while not as palatable as those of the white oaks, are a major food for squirrels, deer, and many other forms of wildlife.