Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

no photo — written note
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Plants

A fast upland oak with bristle-tipped lobes and shiny 'ski track' stripes running down the grey bark.

Field facts
HabitatUpland woods, ravine slopes, city plantings
RangeStatewide
When to lookRed autumn colour; acorns mature in the second year
StatusSecure (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesBlack Oak, Scarlet Oak

Field note: The bark's smooth vertical stripes are the quickest field mark in winter.

Lesson
Watching responsibly

Stay on trail around exposed slope roots — trampling kills these trees slowly.

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