Oak, Southern Red

The Southern Red Oak, commonly known as red oak and formerly as Spanish oak, usually reaches a height of 80 feet and a diameter of 3 feet although larger trees are found. It grows on dry hills in the eastern part of the state to the Brazos River, while three varieties are found in richer, moister locations. Its large spreading branches form a broad, round, open top.

The BARK is rough, not deeply furrowed and varies from light grey on younger trees to dark grey or almost black on older ones.

The LEAVES are deciduous, with pear-shaped or irregular, rounded or narrow bristle tipped lobes, the central lobe often the youngest. Variety pagodaefolia Ell., (Cherrybark Oak) has more numerous lobes. All leaves have brown or grey down beneath.

The staminate FLOWERS appear as catkins 3 to 5 inches long in April while the leaves unfold. The FRUIT ripens the second year. The small, rounded, 1/2 inch long acorn is set in a thin saucer-shaped cup that tapers to a short stalk.

The WOOD is heavy. hard, strong, coarse-grained and valuable for lumber. The bark is rich in tannin. The tree is also desirable for shade and ornamental use.