Red Oak

Pollen Type: Tree

Cross-Reactivity: Other Oaks

HS Allergy Extract: Oak, Red or Tree Mix #11

Family: Fagaceae

Genus/Species: Quercus rubra

Common Names: Red Oak, Oak, Champion Oak

Distribution: Throughout the eastern United States.

Locations: Stream terraces, dry ridges; but it is most frequently found on moist, well-drained slopes

Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated

Pollinating Period: February – May

Description: Red Oak is native to the eastern and central U.S. and can live up to 400 years. This deciduous tree grows straight and tall, ranging from 90′-141′, with a trunk 20″–39″ in diameter. Open-grown trees do not get as tall but often develop a stouter trunk, up to 6 1⁄2′ in diameter. Its bark makes it easy to recognize, featuring ridges that appear to have shiny stripes down the center. Its leaves are glossy, dark green on top, and grayish-white on the bottom. They are 5 “-9” long and have 7-11 toothed lobes with sharply pointed tips. In autumn, they turn brownish-red. Insignificant flowers grow in separate male and female catkins in spring. After blooming, fertile female flowers are superseded by acorns that take two years to develop. The acorns are round, 0.75 “-1” long, with a flat, thick, saucer-like cap, and taste bitter.