Quercus coccinea
Overview
The Scarlet Oak is a striking native hardwood best known for its brilliant scarlet-red fall foliage. A member of the red oak group, it is commonly found on dry upland slopes, ridges, and well-drained soils throughout the Appalachian region. Its vivid autumn color makes it one of the most recognizable and admired native trees in eastern North America.
Scarlet Oak is valued for both its ecological importance and ornamental beauty. It contributes food and habitat for wildlife while providing seasonal interest in forests, parks, campuses, and residential landscapes.
Identification
Leaves
- Alternate leaf arrangement
- Deeply lobed leaves with seven to nine pointed lobes
- Bright green and glossy during the growing season
- Brilliant scarlet-red fall color
Bark
- Gray to dark gray bark
- Relatively smooth on younger trees
- Develops ridges and shallow furrows with age
Flowers
- Produces inconspicuous flowers in spring
- Male flowers occur as hanging catkins
- Female flowers are small and appear near branch tips
Fruit
- Small acorns that mature during the second growing season
- Acorn cups are deep and bowl-shaped
- Cups cover approximately one-third to one-half of the nut
Size
- Typically grows 50 to 80 feet tall
- Mature spread of 40 to 60 feet
- Develops a rounded to open crown
Native Range
Scarlet Oak is native to eastern North America and occurs throughout much of the Appalachian region, including West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. It is commonly found on dry ridges, rocky slopes, and upland forests where well-drained soils favor its growth.
The species is particularly well adapted to sites that are drier and less fertile than those preferred by many other hardwood trees.
Ecology and Wildlife Value
Scarlet Oak plays an important role in Appalachian forest ecosystems.
Its acorns provide food for:
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
- Black bears
- Squirrels
- Chipmunks
- Blue jays
- Numerous other birds and mammals
Like other oaks, Scarlet Oak supports a wide variety of native insects, helping sustain food webs that benefit birds and other wildlife.
Its canopy also provides nesting locations, shelter, and shade throughout the growing season.
Human Uses and Cultural Significance
Scarlet Oak wood is similar to that of other red oaks and is used for:
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Veneer
- Cabinetry
- Millwork
- Construction materials
The species is frequently planted as an ornamental tree because of its exceptional fall color and adaptability to a variety of landscape settings.
Among native oaks, Scarlet Oak is often considered one of the finest trees for autumn display, producing some of the most vivid red foliage in the forest.
Scarlet Oak at Marshall University
Scarlet Oaks contribute vibrant seasonal color to the Marshall University Arboretum. Their brilliant autumn foliage helps showcase the diversity of Appalachian hardwood forests and demonstrates why oaks are among the most important trees in eastern North America.
As one of several oak species represented in the arboretum, Scarlet Oak provides opportunities for visitors to compare leaf shapes, acorns, bark textures, and growth forms within the diverse Quercus genus.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Scarlet Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus coccinea
Family: Fagaceae
Native Region: Appalachia Native
Mature Height: 50-80 feet
Mature Spread: 40-60 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Preferences: Dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of rocky sites
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Bloom Period: April to May
Fruit/Seed: Acorns that mature in two growing seasons
Wildlife Value: Important food source for birds and mammals; supports numerous native insects
Notable Characteristics: Brilliant scarlet fall color, deeply lobed leaves, and adaptability to upland sites