Oak, Scarlet

Quercus coccinea

Height: 50-70ft
Spread: 40-50ft
Zone: 4-9
Exposure: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time/Color: April-May; chartreuse
Fall Color: Red
Uses: Specimen, shade tree, street tree, park tree
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Oval, pyramidal
Other: Native, drought tolerant

Scarlet oak is truly a sight to see in autumn when its leaves are ablaze in shades of red. It is a very long-lived tree that is native to the United States and grows best in acidic, well-drained soils in full sun. Scarlet oak has less issues with chlorosis than other oaks, however. Leaves are a deep, glossy green throughout the growing season and are recognized by their deeply cut, pointed lobes. Acorns start to appear in late spring before maturing in autumn. Drought tolerant.