Northern Red Oak

About Northern Red Oak in Alberta

Northern Red Oak is a non-native Alberta tree used in planted urban and institutional settings rather than occurring naturally in the province. In Alberta it is best understood as a deliberate large shade-tree planting, especially in public urban contexts such as Edmonton, rather than as a widespread routine tree. It is best recognized by its large leaves with 7-11 pointed bristle-tipped lobes, dark reddish-brown terminal buds, broad mature bark ridges, and shallow-capped acorns. For ARA purposes, its significance is mainly in mature planted survivors that show long-term success of an eastern oak under Alberta conditions.

Identification: Leaves are alternate, simple, and usually have 7-11 pointed lobes, each ending in a small bristle tip. Sinuses usually cut less than halfway to the midrib. Summer leaves are dark green above and slightly paler beneath.

Alberta range and habitat: Northern Red Oak should not be treated as part of Alberta's native wild-tree flora. No strong evidence supports a wild Alberta range.