Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa

Bur Oak leaf and bark.
(Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

The Bur Oak is a native species of oak that can still be found in Red Oak. Although it is on the list of approved street trees in Red Oak, it can produce a very large number of acorns in acorn-bearing years. Bur Oaks have leaves that look somewhat similar to those of the Red Oak, but have rounded lobes that do not come to a distinct point. The most distinctive feature of the Bur Oak is the large, furry cup on its acorns.

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Pin Oak

Quercus palustris

One of Red Oak's most common trees, the Pin Oak can be distinguished by its narrow, lobed leaves that come to a fine, pin-like point at the ends. Pin Oaks have tall, straight trunks with the lower branches pointing downward (although these lower branches are often trimmed away). The Red Oak also has pointed leaf ends, but the leaves are broader and the lower branches do not point downward.

Downward-sloping lower branches are a
distinctive characteristic of the Pin Oak.

Pin Oak Leaf

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Red Oak tree in Fountain Square Park

The namesake tree of Red Oak is one of the city's more common trees. Red Oak trees have upward-spreading branches with broad leaves that come to distinct points at the tips. The leaves are somewhat similar to those of the Pin Oak, but are darker and wider through the center. They are also similar in appearance to the Black Oak, but are not as shiny on the top.

Red Oak trees can be distinguished by the very shallow saucer-like acorn cap.

Red Oak acorns
Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database