Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: scarlet oak

Family: Fagaceae

Distribution: Eastern United States to Southern Canada

Habitat: Forest, occuring up to 1500m

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: Zone 4b -25 to -20 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree

Comments: Scarlet oak is a large tree with a rounded, open habit which eventually matures to 70' tall. Leaves are 3-6" long and deeply cut with bristle-tipped, pointed lobes. Foliage is a glossy green in summer turning to scarlet in fall. Monoecious, with neither male (drooping catkins) nor female (solitary or clustered) flowers being showy. Fruit is an acorn 1/2" to 1" long.
Best grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers dry, acidic, sandy soils. This tree is long-living, durable and considered to be a low-maintenance tree to grow. A stately shade tree for the lawn, particularly in drier locations, with excellent fall color.