A tall, quick growing tree, to 100 feet, with a straight trunk and rounded crown. Conical when young, rounded at maturity. One of the more important lumber trees in the eastern U.S. Commercially valuable as furniture, general construction, mineprops and railroad ties. Grows more rapidly than other northern oaks. The acorns provide food for mammals and birds. Known as a desirable tree for planting along streets or real estate. A member of the Red Oak group; part of the Beech Family.
Oblong to 8” with 7-11 sharply pointed and bristle tipped lobes. Shallow V shaped sinuses extend less than halfway to the midrib. Lobes are wider at the base.
Long vertical strips of smooth gray bark sit adjacent to sections of darker brown, rougher bark. Cracks revealing darker reddish inner bark, like ski trails.
Thick, red brown and smooth with large end buds that are red-brown,cone shaped, and in clusters.
A nearly round acorn, ¾-1” covered a quarter or less by the cap, like a beret. Acorns mature in two seasons.
Species is unisexual – males are yellow-green in 2-4”catkins; females appear on short spikes. Appearing with leaves in the spring.