Quercus coccinea
scarlet oak
Notes:
Native to drier upland soils.
Not as fast-growing as Q. rubra, but good for underplanting and better fall color (though it is not consistent from specimen to specimen). Leaves often persist into winter.
Taprooted on well-drained soil; must have deep soil. Will heave pavement in tree lawns under 8' wide.
Clay tolerance is debated, with NCSU, Dove/Woolridge, and Cal Poly saying yes and White Oak, JerseyYards.org, and the USDA saying no. Soil compaction tolerance is also debated (UFL vs. USDA), as is salt tolerance (Dove/Woolridge vs. JerseyYards.org and the USDA).
Sources: White Oak, Sunset, NCSU, Dove/Woolridge, UFL, JerseyYards.org, UConn, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
Tags:
acidic soil preferred
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
branches strong
clay tolerant
deer sensitive
drought tolerant
easy to grow
exposure:full sun
fall color notable
fast-growing
fire risk low
form:tree
full sun preferred
habit:conical/pyramidal
habit:rounded
habit:upright
litter:fruit
native:eastern North America
open canopy
persistence:deciduous
pruning not required
resprouts notably
rich soil preferred
root disturbance intolerant
root restriction intolerant
roots:deep
roots:low damage potential
sandy soil tolerant
type:broadleaf
use:shade tree
use:specimen
use:street
water:moderate to little
water:regular
wind tolerant
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