Quercus coccinea
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Tried and True Recommended by 3 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: scarlet oak
Type: Tree
Family: Fagaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Native Range: Eastern United States, southern Canada
Height: 50 to 70 feet
Spread: 40 to 50 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: Green, Yellow
Bloom Description: Yellowish-green
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Drought, Black Walnuts
Uses: Shade Tree, Street Tree

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers dry, acidic, sandy soils.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Scarlet oak is a large tree with a rounded, open habit which eventually matures to 70' tall. Leaves are 3-6" long and deeply cut with bristle-tipped, pointed lobes. Foliage is a glossy green in summer turning to scarlet in fall. Monoecious, with neither male (drooping catkins) nor female (solitary or clustered) flowers being showy. Fruit is an acorn (1/2" to 1" long). Native to southeastern Missouri.

Problems

No serious problems. Leaf spots, anthracnose, canker, mildew, rust, wilts, rots, galls and numerous insect problems have been reported. However, this tree is long-living, durable and considered to be a low-maintenance tree to grow. Scarlet oak is not subject to chlorosis problems as much as the closely related pin oak (Q. palustris).

Garden Uses

A stately shade tree for the lawn, particularly in drier locations, with excellent fall color. Also a good street tree. Since it is a large tree, it must be planted in a location where it will have sufficient space to grow upward and spread to its mature size.

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