Photo of Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

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This photo is featured in 3 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Northern Red Oak and Black Oak

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) vs. Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Updated October 13th, 2024

Although these species sometimes look blatantly different, significant variation in individual leaf shape and other characteristics can make them challenging to tell apart. Both trees have broad habitat preferences, with considerable overlap. Black oak ranges farther south and prefers slightly warmer, drier sites, and is more tolerant of nutrient-poor sites, whereas northern red oak ranges farther north, prefers slightly cooler, moister sites, and is more shade-tolerant. The two species can also hybridize and form intergrades, so it may not be possible to identify all individuals.

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collage of Northern Red Oak and Hill's Oak

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) vs. Hill's Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)

Updated February 15th, 2021

These two species are occasionally confused where their ranges overlap, but they can be distinguished with skill at any time of year. Northern red oak prefers richer sites and is much more shade tolerant. The two species can hybridize and form intergrades, so it may not be possible to identify all individuals.

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collage of Northern Red Oak and Scarlet Oak

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) vs. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Updated November 6th, 2019

These species of the red oak group are sometimes confused, but are usually easy to tell apart. They overlap more in habitat than some red oaks, but northern red oak prefers richer sites and is more shade-tolerant, whereas scarlet oak can be found on drier sites with thin or poor soils.

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