Southern Red Oak
Quercus falcata
Family: Fagaceae
Natural History
Leaves and acorns of southern red oak | Photo credit: Larry Korhnak, University of Florida
The southern red oak is also known as Spanish oak, probably because it is native to areas of early Spanish colonies. It is a fast-growing species, and is sometimes confused with turkey oak, since both have deeply lobed, bristled leaves. The southern red oak has a characteristic, bell-shaped leaf base, while turkey oak has a 'v' base, which reaches to the petiole.