Southern Red Oak

Quercus falcata

Southern Red Oak

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fagaceae
Genus:
Quercus
Species:
Quercus falcata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
Yellow

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

almond bud moth (Acrobasis minimella), Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia), consular oakworm moth (Anisota consularis), Eriocraniella mediabulla, Pink-striped oakworm moth (Anisota virginiensis), Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), spotted oakworm moth (Anisota stigma), Yellowstriped oakworm moth (Anisota peigleri), Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Fixsenia favonius

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy loam or clay
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in upland areas with acidic soils

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are cold stratified for 32-60 days or in damp sphagnum peat moss for three or four months in a refrigerator at 36-40°F. Do not let acorns dry.

Establishment: Q. falcata is found within temperate deciduous forests of eastern North America, from Coastal New Jersey, south to Florida, west to eastern Texas, northward in Mississippi Valley to southern Indiana. No germination rate or time range provided in the protocols.

Source: npn.rngr.net