Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Common forest trees of North Carolina

items 44 of 80 items
  • wcu_great_smoky_mtns-9704.jpg
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  • IT TREES SOUTHERN RED OAK (Qwerciw rubra Linn., formerly Q. digitata Sudw.) THE southern red oak, commonly known as red oak and referred to in books as Spanish oak, usually grows to a height of 70 to 80 feet and a diameter of 2 to 3 feet, though larger trees are not infrequently found. It is one of the most common southern upland oaks. Its large spreading branches form a broad, round, open top. The bark is rough, though not deeply f ur- rowed, and varies from light gray on younger trees 'to dark gray or almost black on older ones. The leaves are of two different types: (1) irregular- shaped lobes, mostly narrow, bristle - tipped, the central lobe often the longest; or (2) pear-shaped with 3 rounded lobes at the outer end. They are dark lustrous green above and gray downy beneath, the contrast being strikingly seen in a wind or rain storm. The flowers appear in April while the leaves are unfolding. The fruit ripens the second year. The small rounded acorn, about half an inch long, is set in a thin saucer-shaped cup which tapers to a short stem. The wood is heavy, hard, strong, coarse-grained, and is less subject to defects than most other red oaks. It is used for rough lumber and for furniture, chairs, tables, etc. It is a desirable timber tree, especially on the poorer, drier soils. The bark is rich in tannin. The freedom of this tree from disease, its thrifty growth, large handsome form and long life make it very desirable for shade or ornamental use. SOUTHERN RED OAK Leaf, one-third natural size. Twig, one-half natural size. 42
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).