Red Oak
VU

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_rubra

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Red Oak faces mounting pressure from invasive pests, particularly the emerald ash borer and oak wilt fungus, which have devastated populations across its native range. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward faster than the species can naturally migrate, while urban development fragments remaining forest corridors. Increased frequency of severe storms and droughts further stress mature trees, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing successful regeneration.

Threat summary

Habitat

Red Oak inhabits mixed deciduous and coniferous forests across eastern North America, thriving in well-drained upland soils from southern Maine to northern Georgia. The species prefers acidic soils and partial shade when young, eventually forming part of the forest canopy in mature woodland ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Fagaceae

VU

Quercus humboldtii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Red Oak classified as Vulnerable?
Red Oak is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Red Oak faces mounting pressure from invasive pests, particularly the emerald ash borer and oak wilt fungus, which have devastated populations across its native range. Climate change is shifting suitable habitat northward faster than the species can naturally migrate, while urban development fragments remaining forest corridors. Increased frequency of severe storms and droughts further stress mature trees, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing successful regeneration.
Where does Red Oak live?
Red Oak occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Red Oak?
The main threats to Red Oak are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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