Cherokee: do-la-tsi
English: Northern red oak
Ojibwe: wiisagi-mitigominzh
Spanish: Roble rojo americano
Natural History
Northern red oak is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and Canada, which has been introduced to Colorado as a common landscaping tree. In its native range, Northern red oak commonly reproduces asexually with sprouts arising readily from the root system of existing trees. This type of growth can account for as much as 95% of its reproduction. Its leaves grow alternately along the stem and are lobed at the edges with each lobe or secondary lobe having a bristle-like tip. Ecologically, its acorns provide an important food source for squirrels, deer, turkey, and various other bird and rodent species.
Human history and use
Oak acorns have been an important food source for many Indigenous Peoples throughout North America and are processed to produce meal for breads, cakes, and porridge. Acorns contain high concentrations of astringent tannins, and all but the most palatable varieties must be soaked in water (a process called leaching) or roasted before eating. Being native to eastern North America, northern red oak has historically been used by Indigenous Peoples such as the Alabama, Cherokee, Iroquois, and Kiowa. Medicinal uses of oak species are numerous, but its essential astringent quality due to its high tannin content makes oak generally useful for treating abrasions, burns, and gastrointestinal problems.
References:
Burns, R. M. and B. H. Honkala. 1990. Silvics of North America. Retrieved from Silvics Manual Volume 1-Conifers and Volume 2-Hardwoods: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/table_of_contents.htm (2024, November 16)
Jensen, R. J. 1997. Quercus Linnaeus sect. Lobatae Loudon. Red or black oaks. Pp 447–471 in Flora of North America Editorial Committee [eds.] Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 3. Oxford University Press, New York.
Moerman D. E. 1998. Native American Ethnobotany. Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Moore, M. 2003. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press.
Photo credit:
Photos by Mike Jacob.