Scarlet Oak
Tree or Plant Type:
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Landscape Uses:
- Shade tree,
- Specimen
Size Range:
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height:
40-75 feet
Mature Width:
40-75 feet
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 5,
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8
Soil Preference:
- Acid soil,
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Dry sites
Acid Soils:
- Prefers
Alkaline Soils:
- Intolerant
Salt Spray:
- Intolerant
Soil Salt:
- Tolerant
By Famartin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37003660
Drought Conditions:
- Moderately Tolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Intolerant
Planting Considerations:
- Messy fruit/plant parts
Ornamental Interest:
- Fall color
Season of Interest:
- Mid fall,
- Late fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Inconspicuous
Shape or Form:
- Oval,
- Pyramidal
Growth Rate:
- Moderate
Transplants Well:
- Yes
Wildlife:
- Mammals,
- Migrant birds
True to its name, the scarlet oak produces wonderful scarlet fall color. This tree is best used in residential yards rather than as a street tree.
Field Observations:
Scarlet oak is a member of the red oak group with lobed leaves and is valued for its ornamental attributes as well as its fine wood. It is considered an excellent alternative to the overplanted pin oak because it is beautiful throughout the year and tolerates alkaline soil.
