Northern Red Oak (quercus rubra)

About this specimen: Because Fitler Square is over a century old, it is very possible that this mature beauty was among its first plantings. Note that the tree is out of alignment with the square’s symmetrical layout. For this reason, the tree was in danger of removal during renovations to the square several years ago before its admirers came to the rescue. Their activism is an inspiration. As is often said and not so often followed, “One man can make a difference and every man should try.”

Leaf type: alternating leaves that are 4 – 8” long and have 7 to 11, spine-tipped lobes

Bark: bark of older trees develops wide, flat ridges and shallow furrows. The furrows form a pattern resembling ski trails higher up on the trunk.

Flowers: produces pale yellow-green catkins that appear at about the same time as new foliage in April-May

Fruit: produces acorns that are round and 3/4" to 1” long with a flat, saucer-like cap that take two years to mature

Average mature size in city: 60-75’ tall and 45’ spread
Origin: native to the northeast United States and Canada, not frequently south of Pennsylvania

Other notable features: Priests of Zeus would listen to the rustling leaves of the sacred oak trees and interpret their meanings as the words of the gods. State tree of New Jersey.