Quercus rubra

Northern Red Oak

The Northern red oak (Quercus rubra), which originates from North America, is a deciduous tree from the beech family. The trees usually reach heights of 20 to 30 metres, but can grow up to 45 metres in favourable conditions. They are characterised by a robust, upright structure with a broad, rounded crown. Their bark is smooth and light grey when young, but becomes rough and dark grey to almost black with age. The leaves of the red oak are 12 to 22 cm long and take on a bright red colour in autumn. The fruits are acorns covered by a flat, broad cap. The red oak is known for its rapid growth and its ability to adapt to a wide range of site conditions.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Quercus rubra can grow quickly and form a dense canopy that blocks light to underlying plants. This can affect the germination and growth of native plants and lead to a reduction in biodiversity. Among other things, it competes for resources with the native sessile oak and European beech.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

The Northern red oak has been planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens because of the attractive red colouring of its leaves in autumn.

Forestry

Quercus rubra was already planted in some regions for forestry purposes in the middle of the 18th century.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The beech family (Fagaceae) comprises about 7 genera with around 900 species. They are distributed in the temperate to tropical regions of the northern hemisphere. The family mainly comprises trees, rarely also shrubs. Characteristic are the simple, often alternate leaves and the often small, inconspicuous flowers. The fruits are nuts that are often surrounded by a protective cupule. The best-known representatives are the oaks (Quercus), the beeches (Fagus) and the chestnuts (Castanea). These species provide valuable hardwood and play an important role in the ecosystems of the temperate forests of the northern hemisphere.

Climate change

Quercus rubra has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, altitude, summer precipitation, land use and autumn precipitation.

Positive effects

The wood of the Northern red oak is used as building and construction timber, but is also suitable - despite its wide annual rings - for the production of veneers.
Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Quercus rubra where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.