A large, long lived red oak that has bark darker than other oaks, said to resemble the bark of cherry trees. At home in moist, reasonably well-drained soil. Tolerates brief seasonal flooding but not standing water. Like other oaks, it is a keystone species and supports a wide variety of animals, including the cecropia moth and banded hairstreak butterfly!

Pollination: 2+ individuals required.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic

Soil Type: Loamy

Height: 60’-120’

Width: 30’-60’

Bloom Color: -

Bloom Time: Apr-May

Fruit: Small acorns mature in fall.

Fall Color: Orange/Brown

Root Type: Branching

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Like other oaks, it is a keystone species that hosts a wide variety of insects including beetles, weevils, many moths, leafhoppers, treehoppers, skippers, hairstreak butterflies, and walkingsticks. These insects feed a wide variety of woodland birds. Nuts are eaten by many birds including turkeys, jays, and woodpeckers, and mammals such as deer, raccoons, and squirrels.

Notes: Trees can reach 300 years in age and have trunks 3’ wide. Acorns take two years to mature, so ripen the fall of the year after they were pollinated.