Fig. 83. Leaf of Red Oak
Fig. 84. Wood of the Red Oak, showing three sections. The one on the left shows annual rings obtained by a horizontal cut through the tree. Central view shows vertical cut at center of tree. View on right shows vertical cut between center and bark as illustrated in [Fig. 73].
The acorns require two seasons for ripening, as do those of the red, scarlet, and pin oaks.
31. The Red Oak. The red oak is one of our largest and most noble trees, growing taller even than the white oak, and may always be distinguished by its very large, shiny, dark green leaves.
Its bark is also much smoother and darker than the white oak. Its acorn is very bitter and can easily be recognized by its shallow cup and by its large size. It is the largest of the two-year acorns. The wood of the red oak is darker than that of the white, and is used in the manufacture of furniture.
Fig. 85. Scarlet Oak
32. The Scarlet Oak. This tree is often confused with the red, but a glance at the leaves will show a great difference. That of the scarlet has deeper indentations and is much more slender and skeleton-like in shape. It takes its name from the bright scarlet or red tinge it takes on when the leaves change color in the fall.