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Scarlet Oak

Scarlet Oak

Scarlet Oak

Quercus Coccinea

A large, attractive, shade tree native to eastern USA. Rarely planted in New Brunswick. True to its name, it puts on an excellent display of scarlet red foliage in the fall. Attractive bright green, bristle-tipped, lobed leaves in summer, similar to Northern Red Oak but with deeper sinuses. Acorns provide valuable food for local wildlife. Trees have both male and female flowers on the same tree and are wind pollinated. Yields better seed crops when more than one tree is present through cross pollination. Can produce hybrid seeds if planted near other oak species from the red oak group. Prune in late winter or early spring to avoid transmission of pathogens.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to North America

Height

Large (60-100ft)

Width

Wide

Form

Oval, Pyramidal

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Long (over 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Dry

Other Tolerances

Occasional Drought, Urban Pollution

Ornamental Interest

Leaves (colour), Leaves (shape)

Wildlife Value

Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterfly Larvae (leaves), Large Mammals (fruits/seeds), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood), Fuel (wood)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Intolerant of Alkaline Soil, Intolerant of Full Shade, Messy Seed Litter