Oak, Texas Red

The Texas Red Oak has been called by many names; the Texas Oak, the Spanish Oak, as well as a variety of the Shumard, but most agree it is a distinct tree species. It is typically found on dry limestone hills and ridges from Central and West Texas to the Edwards Plateau. A hallmark of this species is its heat and drought tolerance.

A typical tree is 30 to 40 feet in height with a comparable width.

The BARK is light brown, red-tinged, deeply ridged and broken into plate-like scales.

The LEAVES are deciduous 2-1/2 to 3 inches wide, 3 to 3-1/2 long; widest above the middle; divided into 5 to 7 lobes, with the terminal lobe, 3-lobed; dark green and shiny above, pale-shiny below; petiole slender, about 2 inch long.

The FRUIT is short-stemmed, usually single, 1/4 to 3/4 inch long and broad, varying to nearly 1 inch long and 1/3 inch broad, set in a cup that covers one-third or less of the fruit, reddish-brown and often streaked with dark lines.

The WOOD is often used for fuel.