Scarlet oak

Quercus coccinea


North America has been the center of speciation of a large group of red oaks, Numerous species in this group have originated on this continent and do not occur on other continents. They are closely related, and at the first glance look similar, all having bristly, pointed leaf lobes.

In the late fall, however, scarlet oak looks unlike other red oaks: while others turn brick-orange and rich brown, this one becomes truly scarlet. Leaves of scarlet oak are typically deeply incised, so that there is nearly no "flesh" in them. The bristly lobes are narrow and often asymmetric. The bark on the lower stem is similar to that of red oak, only darker and not as uniformly cracked all the way from the bottom up. Scarlet oak can also be identified by its small, nearly round acorns whose cups cover one-third to a half of the acorn.

See all photos for this species at salicicola.com


A leaf of scarlet oak. Fall River, September 21


Foliage stands out against browning leaves of other oaks. Blue Hills Reservation, Quincy, November 5


Autumn foliage, Tidmarsh Sanctuary, Plymouth, October 22


Small acorns with deep cups and incised leaves. Ames Nowell State park, Abington, December 16


Scarlet oak grove on poor, shallow, rocky soil. Ames Nowell State Park, Abington, December 16