Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
Climate Match for your location
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A native oak prized for its brilliant scarlet fall foliage and open, spreading branching habit. It grows at a moderate pace and reaches 50–80 feet tall, making it an excellent shade tree for large landscapes.
Why grow it
Scarlet Oak distinguishes itself among eastern oak species through particularly reliable and vivid fall color, shifting from green to deep scarlet earlier than many comparable natives. Its open branching structure and moderate growth rate make it easier to manage than fast-growing oaks in smaller to medium-sized landscapes, while still providing substantial shade at maturity. Compared to Pin Oak or Red Oak, it adapts well to drier upland soils and tends to require less supplemental watering once established.
Watch out for
This species can be slow to establish in its first few years and benefits from consistent moisture during the establishment period. Scarlet Oak is somewhat sensitive to soil compaction and construction damage around the root zone, so site selection away from future development is worth considering. Acorn production can be heavy in mast years, creating significant cleanup demands if planted near patios or walkways.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native oak prized for its brilliant scarlet fall foliage and open, spreading branching habit. It grows at a moderate pace and reaches 50–80 feet tall, making it an excellent shade tree for large landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Scarlet Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Scarlet Oak distinguishes itself among eastern oak species through particularly reliable and vivid fall color, shifting from green to deep scarlet earlier than many comparable natives. Its open branching structure and moderate growth rate make it easier to manage than fast-growing oaks in smaller to medium-sized landscapes, while still providing substantial shade at maturity. Compared to Pin Oak or Red Oak, it adapts well to drier upland soils and tends to require less supplemental watering once established.
Watch out for
This species can be slow to establish in its first few years and benefits from consistent moisture during the establishment period. Scarlet Oak is somewhat sensitive to soil compaction and construction damage around the root zone, so site selection away from future development is worth considering. Acorn production can be heavy in mast years, creating significant cleanup demands if planted near patios or walkways.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern United States
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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