Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
 
The northern red oak is a fast-growing, stately hardwood tree native to eastern and central North America. Known for its straight trunk and symmetrical crown, it can reach heights of 60 to 90 feet, making it a popular choice for parks, streets, and natural forests alike. Its leaves are large, with 7 to 11 pointed lobes and a rich green color that turns vibrant red or russet in autumn, giving the tree its name. In spring, it produces slender yellow-green catkins, followed by round acorns that mature in two seasons and serve as an important food source for wildlife. The bark is dark and ridged, often with shiny stripes running down the grooves on younger trees. Tolerant of a range of soils and urban conditions, the northern red oak is valued for its shade, beauty, and strong, durable wood used in furniture and flooring. Majestic and reliable, it stands as a symbol of strength and natural heritage in the American landscape.