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Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
Easy · Beginner friendlyAbout Scarlet Oak
Scarlet Oak is a majestic deciduous tree native to the eastern United States from Maine to Alabama, reaching 70-80 feet. Named for its vivid crimson autumn foliage—considered among the most brilliant of all oaks—it also provides deep shade under a rounded open crown. Its deeply lobed bristle-tipped leaves and long-lived presence make it a prized specimen in eastern US parks, estates, and suburban landscapes.
- Fall-color
- Native
How to care for Scarlet Oak
Watering
- Springevery 10 days
- Summerevery 7 days
- Fallevery 14 days
- Winterpause watering
Soil · Well-draining
- Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
- Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
- DrainageLECA / gravel20%
Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.
FERTILIZER
Balanced Feed 14-14-14
An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.
- Nitrogen · Leaves
- Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
- Potassium · Strength
- Springevery 60 days
- Summerevery 60 days
At a Glance
- NativeNorth America
- Height60–80 ft (18.3–24.4 m)
- Spread40–50 ft (12.2–15.2 m)
- Flower colorGreen
- Foliage colorGreen, Red
- Fruit colorBrown
- SoilLoamy, Well-drained, Acidic
- LocationsYard
Bloom time
BLOOM CYCLE
Peak bloom
Mar–May
Yellow-green catkins in spring
Toxicity
Humans Slight · Pets Moderate
tannic acid and quercitrin
Slight
- Acorn
- Leaf
- Ingestion
EXPOSURE Eating acorn and leaves.
EFFECT GI upset from tannins.
NOTE Documented concern for humans: GI upset from tannins.
Moderate
- Acorn
- Leaf
- Ingestion
EXPOSURE Eating acorn and leaves.
EFFECT Vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage.
NOTE ASPCA lists Quercus as toxic to pets; acorns and young leaves contain highest tannin concentration.
Moderate
- Acorn
- Leaf
- Ingestion
EXPOSURE Eating acorn and leaves.
EFFECT Vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage.
NOTE ASPCA lists Quercus as toxic to pets; acorns and young leaves contain highest tannin concentration.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- Introduced
- North America
History
Quercus coccinea grows across eastern North America from Maine and Ontario south to Georgia and west to Missouri, concentrated on dry rocky upland sites. German botanist Carl Ludwig Münchhausen formally described it in 1770; the specific epithet coccinea (scarlet) references the signature fall color. The species is considered to have the most brilliant autumn color of any American oak—a deep glowing crimson that persists for weeks—and trees in full sun on poor dry sites color most intensely.
It reaches 70-80 feet with spreading irregular crowns, suitable only for large residential or park settings. Cultivar 'Splendens' was selected for exceptional red autumn foliage. Unlike many oaks it tolerates dry sandy soils.
As with other red oak group species (subgenus Erythrobalanus), the acorns require two years to mature and contain high tannin levels that Indigenous peoples leached before eating. Valued for hard, strong wood used in flooring, furniture, and barrel staves since colonial times. Designated the state tree of Washington, D.C., where it lines historic avenues. Acorns are a critical food source for eastern wildlife including deer, turkey, and blue jays.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
Scarlet oak is strength carried into October — a long-lived oak icon of the eastern American hardwoods, with the sturdy presence of its kin and one extra gift: autumn glory. Its leaves blaze a deep, even scarlet that rivals any maple, holding the color longer into the fall. A tree that combines the patience of oak with the fire of red maples in a single canopy.
- Strength — long-lived oak icon
- Autumn glory — brilliant scarlet fall foliage
Where the Name Comes From
'Quercus' is classical Latin for oak; 'coccinea' means scarlet, for the dazzling fall color.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Broad rounded canopy plays a major role in Eastern lawn shade
- Brilliant scarlet autumn foliage gives the species its name
- Hard ring-porous oak timber used in flooring and cabinetry
- Acorns feed deer, turkey, blue jays, and squirrels
Related plants
More Quercus plants
Coast Live OakQuercus agrifolia
White OakQuercus alba
Swamp White OakQuercus bicolor
California Black OakQuercus kelloggii
Plants with similar care
Chinese AbeliaAbelia chinensis
Fragrant AbeliaAbelia mosanensis
Large-Flowered AbeliaAbelia uniflora
Glossy AbeliaAbelia x grandiflora
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Scarlet Oak?
Water about every 10 days during the growing season, and always let excess water drain away.
How much light does Scarlet Oak need?
Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Scarlet Oak toxic to cats or dogs?
Pets Moderate (Dogs Moderate · Cats Moderate) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Scarlet Oak easy to grow?
Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.
When does Scarlet Oak bloom?
It typically blooms Mar–May in the Northern Hemisphere.
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