Northern Red Oak is among the fastest growing of the oaks, and it features a single, straight trunk and narrow crown.  It often has brilliant red and orange fall foliage and makes a great shade tree.
     
     Also critical for biodiversity, Northern Red Oaks are considered Keystone Species because they host up to 500 caterpillar species.  According to Doug Tallamy, Nature's Best Hope, Red Oak is the nation's  third most important tree for biodiversity, behind the White Oak and Black Oak.
 
     Fun Fact :) To remove bitter tanins, Red Oak acorns were buried in boggy soils over the winter and then dug up in spring.  The acorns were used to thicken stews and roasted as a coffee substitute (PFAF, Plants for a Future).
 
     Fun Fact #2 :) The silver streaks on the bark of mature trees has been compared to tracks on a ski slope.
 
     For more on Oaks, read our blog here.
 
     Photos: Creative Commons.  1st Photo: Katja Schulz