Scarlet Oak
(Quercus coccinea)
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
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David J. Stang
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
David J. Stang
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: David J. Stang | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: David Stang | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Quercus coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Oak, is a deciduous tree native to the dry upland forests and ridges of the Eastern and Central United States. It is a medium to large tree that can reach a height of up to 100 feet (30 meters) with a trunk diameter of 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 centimeters). The Scarlet Oak has an open, rounded crown and is known for its deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that turn a brilliant scarlet in autumn. The inconspicuous yellow-green flowers bloom in spring and are followed by acorns that are valuable food sources for wildlife.
Scarlet Oak is celebrated for its vibrant fall foliage and is often used as a shade tree in urban and suburban landscapes. It is also planted for its ornamental value in parks and large gardens. This species prefers full sun and adapts to various soil types, though it thrives best in acidic, well-drained soils. While it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium water availability during establishment. Gardeners should be aware that Scarlet Oak can be susceptible to pests like the gypsy moth and oak wilt disease, and it may develop chlorosis in high pH soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Scarlet Oak is celebrated for its vibrant fall foliage and is often used as a shade tree in urban and suburban landscapes. It is also planted for its ornamental value in parks and large gardens. This species prefers full sun and adapts to various soil types, though it thrives best in acidic, well-drained soils. While it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium water availability during establishment. Gardeners should be aware that Scarlet Oak can be susceptible to pests like the gypsy moth and oak wilt disease, and it may develop chlorosis in high pH soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 60-80 feet
- Width: 40-50 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Dry upland forests and ridges, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains
Other Names
Common Names: Scharlach-Eiche, Scharlakansek
Scientific Names: , Quercus coccinea, Quercus acuta, Quercus coccinea var. tuberculata, Quercus coccinea var. coccinea, Quercus coccinea var. cucullata, Quercus coccinea var. pendula, Quercus coccinea var. rugelii, Quercus coccinea var. undulata, Quercus palustris publ
GBIF Accepted Name: Quercus coccinea Münchh.