Tree of the Month for October 2026

Howdy, park-goers! It's time for October 2026 Tree of the Month. This month we're highlighting the Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra).

Northern Red Oak is a large, deciduous tree native to the forests of eastern North America, including Missouri, where it’s typically found on north- and  east-facing wooded slopes. It grows at a moderate-to-fast rate, and its broad,  rounded canopy can reach 75' or more in height and width.

The classic oak leaves have 7-11 toothed lobes with sharply pointed tips, dark and glossy green above and grayish-white beneath. Fall color is a pleasant brownish-red. Like all oaks, it produces acorns, though an abundant crop may not come until the tree is about 40 years old.

Oaks are durable, long-lived trees and keystone species around the world, hosting more than 950 species of caterpillar and many gall wasps, and living in association with a wide range of fungi. Oaks (Quercus) are the most common genus in Tower Grove Park’s Arboretum, and the park is home to over 130 northern red oaks. One of them, along the northern edge of the Gaddy Wild Bird Garden, is believed to be the largest tree by mass in the arboretum.

Oaks are abundant and cherished throughout Tower Grove Park. Take some time this month to learn about them and show them the love they deserve.