Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea 
Scarlet oak is one of the most common oaks of the flat ridgetops of the eastern Ozarks. It is a medium-sized tree and is valuable for lumber throughout its range. Scarlet oak is an excellent ornamental with brilliant red fall foliage.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 70 ft
- Spread
- 70 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 3" - 7" long; 7-9 lobes with wide, nearly circular sinuses between the lobes; lobes are bristle-tipped; smooth and dark green above
- Flowers
- male flowers in yellow-green catkins; female flowers inconspicuous
- Fruit
- acorn, l/2" in diameter; often with concentric rings around the tip; l/3 to l/2 enclosed in a thin, bowl-shaped cup
- Bark
- smooth and gray; becoming rough, nearly black, broken up into irregular ridges on old trees
- Associated species
- black, white, post and blackjack oak, hickory, shortleaf pine
- Ideal site conditions
- average soil, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products, windbreaks
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover, dens
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
