Northern Red Oak

Medium sized to large tree with deciduous, simple leaves that are symmetrical with a mostly hairless terminal bud.  The fruit is an acorn that is broadly ovoid pale brown that is borne singly or in in pairs and ripens in two years.  

Distribution: Eastern North America. 

Uses: The acorns were an important food source for Native Americans. To remove bitter tannins, they were boiled, leached with ashes, soaked for days in water, or buried over winter. Bark was used as a medicine for heart troubles and bronchial infections or as an astringent, disinfectant, and cleanser.