[Illustration: FIG. 61--Bark of Red Oak.]

Form and size: The red oak is the largest of the oaks and among the
largest of the trees in the northern forests. It has a straight
trunk, free from branches to a higher point than in the white oak,
see Fig. 94. The branches are less twisted and emerge at sharper
angles than do those of the white oak.

Range: It grows all over Eastern North America and reaches north farther
than any of the other oaks.

Soil and location: It is less fastidious in its soil and moisture
requirements than the other oaks and therefore grows in a great
variety of soils. It requires plenty of light.

[Illustration: FIG. 62.--Leaf and Fruit of Red Oak.]

Enemies: Like most of the other oaks, this species is comparatively free
from insects and disease.

Value for planting: The red oak grows faster and adapts itself better to
poor soil conditions than any of the other oaks and is therefore
easy to plant and easy to find in the nurseries. It makes an
excellent street tree, is equally desirable for the lawn and is
hardly surpassed for woodland planting.

Commercial value: The wood is hard and strong but coarse grained, and is
used for construction timber, interior finish and furniture. It is
inferior to white oak where strength and durability are required.