Northern red oak is monoecious.
Yields vary by individual as well as with weather conditions and site factors.
Relatively large, dominant or codominant individuals with open crowns typically produce more acorns than do trees with small, restricted crowns. Larger trees tended to be less productive. After 52 months in storage, only a few acorns remained viable. Seeds of northern red oak are primarily dispersed by birds and mammals. Scatter-hoarders typically disperse seed a few yards from the source tree.