Quercus coccinea

scarlet oak

Scarlet oak is a broad, stately tree with an open, rounded growth habit, and ought to be more common as a street tree. Tolerant of drought, dry soil, and black walnut, it distinguishes itself best in fall, when the deeply incised foliage stuns, gradually turning scarlet.

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Height: 50-70 ft
Spread: 25-40 ft
Hardiness Zone: 4-9


Bloom Color: Insignificant

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
• Species
Exposure
• Sun
• Part Shade
Soil Moisture
• Average
• Dry
Ecoregion
• (58) Northeastern Highlands
• (83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
• (59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
• (84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
• (82) Acadian Plains and Hills
Ornamental Interest
• Fall/Winter Fruit
• Fall Foliage
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Songbirds
• Pollinator Powerhouse Plant
• Host Plant
• Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Tolerance
• Urban Environment
• Drought Tolerant
• Deer/Rabbit Resistant
• Salt Tolerant
Additional Attributes
• Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
• Naturalize
• Rain Garden
• Specimen
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit
• Red to Purple Fall Foliage


North American Distribution


Quercus coccinea - scarlet oak by James St. John via Flikr, CC-BY-2.0
Quercus coccinea - scarlet oak by James St. John via Flikr, CC-BY-2.0