This tree grows directly in front of Godchaux Hall, between its parking lot and 21st Ave.S. The best way to view it is from the bridge level on the side of MRB III nearest 21st Ave. As you walk towards main campus from the "front porch" of MRB III, its branches spread magnficently in front of you. Use the steps on the 21st Ave. S. side of MRB III to move between the base of its trunk on the street level and the level of the bridge between Peabody and main campus.

Southern red oak is relatively common in middle Tennessee, particularly in dry areas. This beautiful tree is Vanderbilt's only southern red oak and is part of the three-way tie for largest tree in the arboretum. Although it is difficult to get an exact measurement, this tree is tied for the tallest tree at Vanderbilt, with a height of 32 m (105 ft.). This tree also has an important place in the history of the campus as a landmark tree associated with the School of Nursing. To learn more about the story of this tree, go to its history page. This tree is also described on p. 30 of The Trees of Vanderbilt.

Southern red oak has leaves typical of other red oaks: pointed lobes with prickle tips and relatively deep sinuses between the lobes. It is different from the others in two ways: the base of the leaf is rounded or bell-shaped, and the terminal lobe curves off to the side (is "falcate", hence the scientific name: Quercus falcata). Sometimes the terminal lobe is very narrow, long, and bent, giving the leaf a very distinctive look. The bark doesn't generally have the same "striped" look that is typical for the bark of northern red oak.