Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea). In the Red Oak family
.The native Scarlet Oak is widely admired for its red foliage display in the fall. It is more difficult to transplant and has a more open growth habit than Red Oaks. The Scarlet Oak is well named. Its early spring foliage is often red, its inner bark is reddish, and in autumn the brilliant red or scarlet leaves challenge the orange of sugar maples and the gold of aspens.
It is a medium sized, fast growing Oak that reaches 70 to 80 feet with a spread of 45 to 50 feet under landscape conditions., It will grow 1 ½ to 2 feet per year. The crown is round a open at maturity. It can tolerate dry conditions better than most Oaks. The trunk flares out at the base so if planted too close, it can lift sidewalks and curbing.
The leaves are 4 to 7 inches long with 5 to 9 narrow, bristle-tipped lobes separated by deep sinuses. In the summer, the leaves are a deep green with whitish undersides. . The acorns are borne singly or in paires. They are ½ to 1 inch long, with deep, bowl-like scaly cups. Concentric rings are often noticeable around the tip. They are a famorite food for squirrels, chipmuks, mice, and many birds, especially blue jays.
Scarlet Oak Choices
Splendens is a n improved form developed in England that has a rounded leaf canopy, and excellent fall color.
