Family: Fagaceae, Beech view all from this family

Description Large tree with rounded crown of stout, spreading branches.
Height: 60-90' (18-27 m).
Diameter: 1-2 1/2' (0.3-0.8 m).
Leaves: 4-9" (10-23 cm) long, 3-6" (7.5-15 cm) wide. Elliptical; usually divided less than halfway to midvein into 7-11 shallow wavy lobes with a few irregular bristle-tipped teeth. Usually dull green above, dull light green beneath with tufts of hairs in angles along midvein; turning brown or dark red in fall.
Bark: dark gray or blackish; rough, furrowed into scaly ridges; inner bark reddish.
Acorns: 5/8-1 1/8" (1.5-2.8 cm) long; egg-shaped, less than 1/3 enclosed by broad cup of reddish-brown, blunt, tightly overlapping scales; maturing second year.

Warning Leaves and acorns toxic to animals if eaten; in some cases fatal. Humans should generally avoid ingesting plants that are toxic to animals.

Habitat Moist, loamy, sandy, rocky, and clay soils; often forming pure stands.

Range W. Ontario to Cape Breton Island, south to Georgia, west to E. Oklahoma, and north Minnesota; to 5500' (1676 m) in south.

Discussion The northernmost eastern oak, it is also the most important lumber species of red oak. Most are used for flooring, furniture, millwork, railroad cross-ties, mine timbers, fenceposts, pilings, and pulpwood. A popular handsome shade and street tree, with good form and dense foliage. One of the most rapid-growing oaks, it transplants easily, is hardy in city conditions, and endures cold.