8 Majestic Oak Trees In Maine (Photos & Identification)

The mighty oak trees reign supreme in Maine’s enchanting woodlands, standing as sentinels of strength and grace. These majestic giants not only command attention with their imposing stature, but they also play an important role in the state’s ecosystem. Oak trees have a timeless allure and practicality, from providing shelter and food to being a source of valuable timber. 

In this article, we will go on a journey to discover eight of the most magnificent oak trees in Maine, learning about their unique characteristics, cultural significance, and the breathtaking beauty they bring to the rugged landscape.

So, let’s get started.

1. Black Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus velutina Lam.
• Common Name(s): Black oak, yellow oak
• Mature Height: 50-60 feet (15-18 meters)
• Native Region: North America
• Flowers: No Flowers
• Fruit: Bitter acorns, ½-¾ inch long
• Uses: Interior finish, shipbuilding, flooring, piling, cross-ties, timbers, pallets, dowels, firewood

The Quercus velutina, commonly known as the Black oak or Yellow oak, is one of the most commonly found oak trees in Maine. It is a hardwood tree native to southern Maine, mainly Lincoln and southern Oxford counties, but also found throughout North America. Interior finishing, shipbuilding, flooring, piling, cross-ties, timbers, pallets, dowels, and firewood are just a few of its many applications.

The Black oak is distinguished by its slender branches and a narrow, open head. It can grow to be 50-60 feet tall and 1-2 feet in diameter. Young stem bark is smooth and dark gray or brown, whereas older tree bark is tough, almost black, and separated into broad, rounded ridges by deep cracks. Black oak’s inner bark is brilliant orange or yellow and was previously used in tanning.

Black oak leaves are alternating, 5-6 inches long, and feature seven lobes with bristle tips. The upper surface of the leaves is shiny and dark green, while the underside is hairy, with more noticeable rusty hairs in the vein axils. 

The Black oak produces flowers in May, however, they are inconspicuous and typically not apparent when the leaves are just partially developed. The tree’s fruit is bitter acorns that mature in the second season. The acorns are between 12 to 34 inches long, with the cup nearly twice as long, encompassing half of the acorn.

The Black oak thrives in dry slopes and gravel uplands in Maine settings and requires little care. It prefers well-drained soil and direct sunlight. Pruning may be required to preserve the ideal form and eliminate dead or diseased branches. Once established, the Black oak, as a hardwood tree, requires little care.

Aside from its physical qualities and maintenance requirements, the Black oak has remarkable use in a variety of industries. Its wood is robust, heavy, sturdy, and coarse-grained, making it ideal for interior finishing, shipbuilding, flooring, and other building applications. Because of its toughness, it is also used for piling, cross-ties, timbers, pallets, dowels, and firewood. Historically, the Black oak’s brightly colored inner bark was used in tanning procedures.

2. Scarlet Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus coccinea Muenchh.
• Common Name(s): Scarlet Oak
• Mature Height: 30-50 feet (9-15 meters)
• Native Region: Native to eastern and central United States
• Flowers: No Flowers
• Uses: Interior finish, shipbuilding, planks and frames, flooring, piling, cross-ties, timbers, pallets, dowels, and firewood.

Scarlet oak, scientifically known as Quercus coccinea, is one of the rare oak trees in Maine’s southernmost region. It grows best on dry soil in ridges and uplands in York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties. Scarlet oak is smaller than red oak, reaching a height of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) with a diameter of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters).

The slender branches of this tree form an open, narrow head. The bark of mature scarlet oak tree trunks is dark gray with reddish inner bark that is divided into uneven ridges by small fissures. 

The leaves are alternating with a varied outline and range in length from 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm). The leaves’ upper surface is bright green and lustrous, while the lower surface is paler and less polished. The leaf lobes have pointed tips. One of the distinguishing characteristics of scarlet oak is its bright autumn foliage, with leaves turning a deep crimson, hence the tree’s popular name.

Scarlet oak flowers in May, when the leaves are still developing. It is crucial to note, however, that scarlet oak does not have showy flowers, unlike some other oak species. The tree’s fruits, known as acorns, mature in the second year. These acorns are around 12 inches (1.3 cm) long, with a cup roughly half their size. The acorns are bitter in flavor. 

Scarlet oak wood is durable, powerful, and hefty in terms of use, despite having a coarse grain. Interior finishing, shipbuilding, planks and frames, flooring, piling, cross-ties, timbers, pallets, dowels, and firewood are just a few of the businesses that use them.

When selecting scarlet oak trees in Maine for landscaping, keep in mind their predilection for dry soil as well as their tolerance for ridge and highland situations. Because of their smaller mature height when compared to other oak trees, they can be employed to offer shade in smaller landscapes. The brilliant scarlet fall leaves enhance the landscape’s scenic value. Scarlet oaks, once planted, require little to no maintenance. It is recommended, however, to supply appropriate water during dry years and to periodically monitor for any signs of disease or pest infestations. 

3. White Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus alba L.
• Common Name(s): White Oak
• Mature Height: 60–70 feet (18–21 meters)
• Native Region: North America
• Flowers: No Flowers.
• Uses: Flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, shipbuilding, railroad ties, piling, agricultural implements, interior finish, pulp, firewood, edible acorns.

The White Oak (Quercus alba L.) is one of the tallest Oak trees in Maine. It is a majestic deciduous tree found in North America and is highly sought after for many construction projects due to its robust, hefty, hard, and durable wood. The tree’s popular name comes from the color of its bark, which ranges from light to ashy-gray.

White Oak grows naturally in Maine’s southern and central regions, reaching as far north as Oakland in northern Kennebec County. It grows well in a wide range of environments, including sandy terrain, gravelly ridges, and moist bottomland, but it grows best in rich and heavy upland soils.

White oak can mature to a height of 60-70 feet and a diameter of 3-4 feet. It has a short trunk and big, diverging limbs in open areas, resulting in a broad and rounded crown. In forested environments, however, it has a longer trunk and a thinner crown. The leaves of the White Oak are typically nine-lobed and 4-7 inches long. They have a brilliant green upper surface and a pale green or whitish underside. Some leaves may remain on the tree all winter.

White Oak produces modest flowers throughout May when the leaves are half-grown. These blossoms, however, do not contribute to the tree’s overall visual appeal. Acorns, the fruit, ripen in September of the first year. The acorns are around 34 inches long and 2-4 times longer than the cup that holds them. Notably, Native Americans historically ground acorns into flour by extracting the tannins with hot water.

White Oak trees in Maine are often employed in landscapes for their wood, which is highly valued in construction and manufacturing. Flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, shipbuilding, railroad ties, piling, agricultural equipment, interior finish, pulp, and firewood are all made from it. Because of its high strength and durability, the wood is appropriate for constructions that require resilience and longevity.

4. Chestnut Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus prinus L.
• Common Name(s): Chestnut Oak
• Mature Height: Approximately 40 feet (12 meters)
• Native Region: Southern tip of Maine and Oxford County
• Flowers: Male flowers are yellow-green and borne on catkins in May, while female flowers are reddish and borne in spikes with the leaves in mid-spring.
• Fruit: The edible fruit is a large, 1½ inch-long, ellipsoid acorn that matures in one season. Its cup encloses about half of the acorn.
• Uses: The wood of the chestnut oak is similar to white oak and has similar uses. However, due to its rarity in Maine, it is not used commercially in the state.

The chestnut oak, formally known as Quercus prinus, is a tree species found in southern Maine, specifically on Mt. Agamenticus in the town of York and Oxford County. It is a little tree that can grow to be 40 feet tall and 12 inches or more in diameter.

The bark of the chestnut oak is one of its distinctive characteristics. The bark of young trees is smooth and gray-brown, whereas the bark of elder trees becomes thick and deeply wrinkled. The leaves of the chestnut oak are very similar to the leaves of the American chestnut. They are yellow-green on top and hairy on the bottom, with a narrowly elliptical form and shallow rounded lobes lacking bristle points. The leaves are frequently the widest above the center.

In terms of reproduction, the chestnut oak has yellow-green male flowers that appear on catkins in May. Female flowers, on the other hand, are crimson and appear in spikes in mid-spring, along with the leaves. The tree also bears edible fruit in the shape of a big, ellipsoid acorn measuring approximately 112 inches in length. The cup of the acorn encloses roughly half of the nut.

The chestnut oak is a rather scarce tree in Maine, and as a result, it is not widely used commercially. However, its wood has similar properties as white oak, making it appropriate for a variety of applications. It can be sold as white oak in locations where the chestnut oak is more plentiful.

5. Northern Red Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus rubra L.
• Common Name(s): Northern red oak
• Mature Height: 60–80 feet (18–24 meters)
• Native Region: Native to North America
• Flowers: No Flowers
• Fruit: Large, broad acorns with a shallow cup
• Uses: Furniture, interior finish, lobster trap runners, flooring, firewood, shipbuilding, fence posts

The most prevalent oak tree species in Maine is the Northern Red Oak, officially known as Quercus rubra L. It can be found across the state, but it is most common in the south. This tree thrives in rich upland soils and can grow to be 60-80 feet (18-24 meters) tall with a diameter of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). It has sturdy, horizontal, or upright branches and a thin or broad head.

The Northern Red Oak’s bark varies with age. The bark of elder trees is dark gray or practically black, split into rounded ridges. Younger trees and branches have smooth greenish-brown or gray bark. The inner bark is reddish. This oak tree’s leaves are alternating and varied in shape, ranging from 5-8 inches (12-20 centimeters) in length. The leaves have bristle-tipped lobes and are dull, dark green above and yellow-green below. During the winter, some dead leaves may remain on the tree.

Northern Red Oak produces flowers in May, albeit they are not exceptionally showy. This tree’s acorns ripen in the second year. They are huge, broad, and 14 inches (2.5-3.2 cm) long. Acorns have a shallow cup and are an important food source for many wildlife species. The acorn’s inner lining is thickly hairy, and its high tannic acid concentration provides a harsh taste.

The Northern Red Oak likes well-drained upland soils and full sun exposure for care and habitat. It is extremely adaptable and may thrive in a wide range of soil conditions. This oak species is native to North America and can tolerate harsh winters and scorching summers, making it ideal for the climate of Maine.

Northern Red Oak wood is durable, strong, and relatively hefty. It can be used to make furniture, interior finishes, planks, frames, flooring, and firewood, among other things. It was formerly used in shipbuilding for ribs, beams, and timbers. When split, it has also been used for lobster trap runners, piling, cross-ties, timbers, pallets, dowels, and fence posts.

6. Swamp White Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus bicolor Willd.
• Common Name(s): Swamp white oak
• Mature Height: Grows to a height of about 50 feet (15 meters)
• Native Region: Native to North America
• Flowers: Flowers appear in May, small and inconspicuous
• Fruit: The acorn is about 1 inch long (2.5 cm), three times as long as the cup, and about one-third enclosed by it.
• Uses: The wood is strong, heavy, and hard, commonly used for the same purposes as white oak.

Swamp white oak, formally known as Quercus bicolor Willd., is a North American deciduous tree. While it is not common, it can still be found in small, dispersed groves throughout Maine, particularly in York and Androscoggin counties. This tree grows on the edges of wetlands and near streams and prefers damp, fertile soil.

Swamp white oak has a distinct appearance, reaching a mature height of around 50 feet (15 meters) with a circumference of 2-3 feet. It has short limbs that are often pendulous and a thin head that is open and round-topped. Older trees have highly furrowed bark with broad, flat ridges that are crumbly and grayish-brown. The bark of young trees and branches is smooth and splits into papery scales that hang loosely. This oak species’ inner bark is orange in hue.

Swamp white oak leaves are alternating and are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. They have a somewhat lobed upper surface that is dark green and glossy, and a creamy white or tawny below surface. This tree’s flowers bloom in May in Maine, frequently while the leaves are still growing. The flowers themselves are modest and unassuming.

The acorn, the fruit of the swamp white oak, matures within the first year. It has a long stalk that is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and three times the length of the cup that surrounds it. The cup itself contains roughly one-third of the acorn. The bark on the twigs of this oak species ranges from yellowish to pale orange to reddish-brown.

The strength, heaviness, and hardness of swamp white oak wood are highly valued. It’s typically used for the same things as white oak: furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Swamp white oak can be a valuable addition to Maine landscapes, particularly in wetter locations near swamps or streams. Its distinct look, with pendulous limbs and a thin, open head, can be visually appealing. Furthermore, the tree benefits nearby wildlife because the acorns provide food for a variety of animals. When planting and caring for swamp white oak in Maine, make sure it has well-drained soil and plenty of moisture.

7. Bur Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus macrocarpa Michx.
• Common Name(s): Bur Oak
• Mature Height: 60-70 feet (18-21 meters)
• Native Region: North America
• Flowers: Flowers appear in May when the leaves are partly formed. The flowers are not showy and are wind-pollinated.
• Fruit: The fruit of the bur oak is an acorn that matures in the first year. It is usually solitary and varies in size and shape. The acorn is about ¾ inch long and about half enclosed by the cup. The margin of the cup is fringed with long, hair-like scales.
• Uses: Bur oak wood is very durable, hard, heavy, and strong, making it suitable for various uses such as cabinetry, barrels, hardwood flooring, and fence posts. The acorns are also edible.

The bur oak, scientifically known as Quercus macrocarpa Michx., is a stately tree found in the southern two-thirds of Maine, with a concentration in central Maine around the Sebasticook River, the lower Penobscot basin, and east into Hancock County. It flourishes in low, lush bottomlands and is rarely ever found on dry land.

The large top and wide, spreading limbs of this oak tree give it a distinct and striking aspect. The bur oak’s trunk is frequently free of limbs for two-thirds or more of its length. It can mature to 60-70 feet (18-21 meters) in height and 2-3 feet in diameter.

Bur oak bark is grey and heavily wrinkled, separating into plate-like uneven scales. It has violin-shaped leaves with rounded lobes that are not as deeply cut as white oak. The widest part of the leaf is at the top. The upper surface of the leaves is alternating, dark green, and lustrous, while the lower surface is pale green or silvery-white.

In May, the bur oak produces wind-pollinated flowers that are not particularly showy. The bur oak’s fruit is an acorn that matures in the first year. It is edible and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. The acorn is about inches long, with the cup enclosing about half of, it, and fringed with long, hair-like scales.

Bur oak wood is highly prized for its tensile strength, hardness, weight, and durability. It’s widely used to make furniture, barrels, hardwood floors, and fence posts. Bur oak acorns are also edible, providing food for a variety of species.

Bur oak flourishes in damp, lush bottomlands in Maine landscapes. It is an excellent choice for large properties, parks, or open spaces where its enormous size and spreading branches may be highlighted. When planting bur oaks in Maine, choose a site with well-drained soil to meet their affinity for low, lush bottomlands. Watering regularly during dry seasons is good for their overall health and growth.

8. Bear Oak

• Scientific Name: Quercus ilicifolia Wangenh.
• Common Name(s): Bear Oak, Scrub Oak
• Mature Height: Less than 20 feet (6 meters)
• Native Region: North America
• Flowers: Pale reddish-green catkins in May
• Fruit: Dark brown acorns, 2⁄5–4⁄5 inch long, maturing in the fall of the second season
• Uses: The wood is occasionally used as fuel but is not of commercial value.

Bear Oaks, also known as Scrub Oaks, are the shortest oak trees in Maine, growing to be less than 20 feet tall. It can be found across Maine, including the southern Maine sand barrens, Oxford County near Fryeburg, eastern Hancock County, and along rocky ridges and barren ledge areas along the coast.

The leaves of Bear Oak are what set it apart. They are alternating, with 5-9 bristle-tipped lobes, and are white on the underside. The second set of lobes from the leaf’s base is usually larger than the others. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, with a few elevated lenticels. The bark of bigger trees can become rough and scaly.

Bear Oak produces pale reddish-green catkins as male flowers in May. When the leaves are barely partially developed, these catkins arise. The tree also produces dark brown acorns that range in size from 25 to 45 inches. The acorns mature in the second season’s fall.

During the first year, Bear Oak twigs are slender and heavily hairy. Terminal buds are chestnut brown, crowded, and blunt-pointed. The lateral buds are about the same size as the terminal buds. Although Bear Oak wood is occasionally used as fuel, it is not commercially useful.

Bear Oak is commonly found in sandy or rocky settings in Maine, including sand barrens and rocky ridges. It is a tough tree that can survive poor soil conditions and thrives in dry, sandy locations. Bear Oak is a popular choice for erosion control in naturalized landscapes and restoration projects.

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Common Oak Trees In Maine – Sources

The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.

1. Forest Trees of Maine, Maine Department Of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
2. Identify Maine’s Common Foliage Trees, Maine Foilage
3. Plants for the Maine Landscape, University Of Maine Cooperative Extension.
4. Gardening to Conserve Maine’s Native Landscape, University Of Maine Cooperative Extension