Northern Red Oak
Bristle-tipped leaf lobes, shallow-striped bark, and broad acorns distinguish New Jersey’s state tree from rounded-lobed white oaks.
Artwork inspired by George Inness
Northern red oak grows across mesic uplands, slopes, and urban soils, often developing a straight trunk and broad crown. Its leaves have pointed, bristle-tipped lobes; mature bark forms long flat ridges with pale lines that can resemble ski tracks. Acorns take two growing seasons to mature.
Those acorns feed deer, turkeys, jays, squirrels, and small mammals, while cavities and canopy structure support still more species. Oak identification improves when several clues agree: leaf, bark, bud, acorn cup, and site. One windblown leaf or a landscape label is not enough for certainty.
- Leaf
- Pointed lobes ending in bristles
- Bark
- Long ridges with pale vertical lines
- New Jersey link
- Official state tree
Quick guide
- Compare the lobe tips
- Bristles place it in the red-oak group.
- Read mature bark
- Look for broad dark ridges split by lighter stripes.
Recognize and observe
- Compare the lobe tips
- Bristles place it in the red-oak group.
- Read mature bark
- Look for broad dark ridges split by lighter stripes.
- Check the acorn cup
- A shallow saucer covers only the base.
- Leave mast in place
- Acorns are winter food, not trail souvenirs by the bucket.
Good to know
“Red oak” may refer to the species or the entire red-oak group. A confident species ID needs more than pointed leaves.
Notice these
- Pointed lobes ending in bristles
- Long ridges with pale vertical lines
- Official state tree