Object Details
Description
Scarlet oak is one of the fastest growing oaks, but also has one of the shortest lifespans. It is the mayfly of oaks. It is planted widely in the US and Europe as a shade tree, and for its beautiful scarlet color in the fall.
This oak is listed as Endangered in Maine.
Hardiness
-30 - 30 F
Bloom Time
April to May
Provenance
From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
Accession Number
2017-0388A
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Life Form
Deciduous tree
Average Height
50-75'
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray with furrows and ridges.
Bloom Characteristics
Male flowers grow in drooping catkins. Female flowers are solitary or clustered.
Fall Color
Red; developes very late
Foliage Characteristics
Simple, alternate, 7 lobed leaves with C-shaped sinuses between lobes. 3-6" long.
Fruit Characteristics
Acorns grow singularly or in pairs with half the acorn covered by its cap. .5-1" long.
Structure
Young: pyramidal Mature: rounded
Range
NC and E USA
Habitat
dry upland forest, ridges and slopes in hilly to mountainous terrain
See more items in
Smithsonian Gardens Tree Collection
On Display
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Common Name
scarlet oak
Group
[vascular plants]
Class
Equisetopsida
Subclass
Magnoliidae
Superorder
Rosanae
Order
Fagales
Family
Fagaceae
Genus
Quercus
Species
coccinea
Data Source
Smithsonian Gardens
Topic
Trees
Living Collections
Link to Original Record
Record ID
ofeo-sg_2017-0388A