Southern Red Oak

Southern Red Oak Leaves - Sunny

This shaped leaf grows in parts of the tree that are exposed to sunlight.

Southern Red Oak Leaf - Shade

This shaped leaf grows in parts of the tree that are shaded from sunlight.

Southern Red Oak Flowers

Southern Red Oak Bark

Southern Red Oak Acorns

Uprooted Red Oak

The root ball of this southern red oak is completely decayed. Our intention is not to frighten you but to provide caution. Southern red oak is prone to root rot, which is often not visible. Have it checked periodically by a qualified Certified Arborist.

Also known as: Spanish oak
Latin (scientific) name: Quercus falcata
Life expectancy: 350 years
Height: 94 feet
Circumference: 19 feet
The height and circumference measurements listed above are for the largest-known southern red oak in Atlanta. This tree is located on private property.
Special characteristics:
Here is another classic oak tree that grows to gigantic proportions. Red oaks are very common in the South and provide thick shade. The leaf is bicolored with a silvery underside that flashes in the sunlight when the wind rustles the leaves.
Annoyance factors:
Red oaks develop internal decay more readily than white oaks, so it drops large branches more easily. It is also more prone to root rot, which is often difficult to detect, so it should be monitored closely.
Fun Facts:
The wood of a red oak is moderately heavy and is used for furniture wood and firewood.
Photo Credits:
Bark: Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org
Sun Leaf: Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org
Shade leaves: Mike Hogan, auburn.edu
Acorns: Franklin Bonner, USFS (ret.), Bugwood.org
Flowers: Steven J. Baskauf, Vanderbilt University Bioimages
Uprooted tree: Peter Jenkins, TreeInspection.com