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Texas red oak facts for kids

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Texas red oak
Quercus buckleyi leaves.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Quercus
Species:
buckleyi
Synonyms
  • Quercus texana Young
  • Quercus rubra var. texana Engelm.

The Quercus buckleyi, also known as the Texas red oak or Buckley's oak, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the beech family. This tree grows naturally only in the southern Great Plains region of the United States. You can find it mainly in Oklahoma and Texas.

About the Texas Red Oak

The Texas red oak is a beautiful tree. It is often planted in yards and parks. People love it for its shade and its amazing fall colors.

What It Looks Like

The Texas red oak is usually smaller than its close relative, the Shumard oak. It often has more than one trunk. A grown Texas red oak is typically 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) tall. It rarely grows taller than 75 feet (23 meters).

In the autumn, the leaves of the Texas red oak change color. They turn bright red and orange. This makes the tree a popular choice for gardens and streets.

Where It Grows

This tree is native to the southern parts of the Great Plains. It thrives in Oklahoma and Texas. It is a common sight in these areas.

Texas Red Oak vs. Shumard Oak

The Texas red oak is very similar to the Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii). These two types of oak trees can even mix and create new trees. This happens often in an area from Dallas to San Antonio, Texas.

A Confusing Name

For a long time, the Texas red oak was called Q. texana. But later, scientists found that name already belonged to another tree. That tree is called Nuttall's oak. So, to avoid confusion, the Texas red oak was officially renamed Quercus buckleyi.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Quercus buckleyi para niños

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