Jesse Saylor
Family
Fagaceae
Botanical Name
Quercus coccinea
Plant Common Name
Scarlet Oak
General Description
Oaks are regal shade trees, and the scarlet oak is a particularly fine species that develops bright fall color in rich red shades. This tall, deciduous tree is native throughout much of the United States east of the Mississippi, save the state of Florida. When young, its crown is roughly pyramidal, but as it matures it becomes open and rounded. This vigorous species is among the fastest growing of the large oaks and also one of the most short-lived. In the wild, it thrives in dry, open, upland locations.
The deeply lobed, dark green leaves of this tree turn russet to bright red in fall, and its small, chestnut brown acorns are eaten by wildlife. It is in the red oak group, so its leaves have lobes that draw to points and acorns with shingled caps. Like all oaks, it’s a monecious species and its inconspicuous male and female flowers are borne in spring.
Scarlet oak prefers full to partial sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It is an upland tree that naturally grows along open wooded slopes and hilltops. Overall this oak is intolerant of shade. Seedlings have strong taproots, which make transplanting difficult. In the landscape, scarlet oak is best grown as a shade tree for naturalistic landscapes, parks or large yards.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
-
Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Tree
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
60'-80' / 18.3m - 24.4m
-
Width
40'-50' / 12.2m - 15.2m (50)
-
Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
-
Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Insignificant
-
Fruit Color
Brown, Sienna
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Red, Crimson, Bronze
-
Bark Color
Brown, Gray
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Coarse
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
-
Bark Texture
Fissured
-
Usage
Shade Trees
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Birds
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
