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Quercus falcata var. pagodaefolia, Cherrybark Red Oak

Whereas the variety falcata is naturally found on poor upland soils, variety pagodaefolia is most common along streams. Red Oak should be grown in full sun on well-drained soil to moderately poor drained, acid soil. It is well suited for planting in areas such as along roadsides where there is little maintenance after planting. It would also make a great street tree and shade tree where soil space is adequate to accommodate this large tree.

Existing trees are often left near new homes and other buildings in new developments. Roots damaged by construction equipment can decay quickly. This can leave the plant with few supporting roots in the years following construction despite a green canopy. The tree could fall over as a result. In addition, branches that are suddenly exposed to unlimited light when nearby trees are removed begin to grow rapidly. As a result, they could become too long and break. Consider shortened them with reduction cuts to help prevent breakage.

Trees occur along streams and rivers in the mid-south of the US. Grows poorly on poorly drained clays but well on occasionally flooded to moist sandy and loamy soils. Best described as a lowland tree not found in swamps and other places where water is standing for long period. Despite its occurrence near streams, trees should perform well in more mesic sites.

The wood is used for furniture but does not have the quality of Quercus rubra. Leaves fall brown over an extended period of time in fall and winter. Some defoliation is noted during the summer in arid years, but this is probably a drought-avoidance mechanism. No permanent damage appears to come from this. It may be more commonly available than the species. Oak wood is considered ring porous to semi-ring porous. Oaks serve as larvae host plants for the brown duskywing butterfly (Erynnis horatius) and the gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus).

Co-national champions are 110 x 108 feet and 124 x 136 feet both in Virginia.