The foliage of this Northern Red Oak is shown in attractive yellow fall color, from a species that is known for its brick-red fall color. The answer to the obvious question of "Why?" is two-fold. First, not all Autumns are created equal, and in some years shades of yellow and gold predominate. Second, genetic diversity always exists within a species, and adding to this is the fact that members of the Red Oak Group often cross-hybridize, resulting in a greater mixing of the gene pool. This tree may actually be a hybrid with Black Oak (Quercus velutina).