Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
A stunning native oak prized for its brilliant scarlet fall foliage that rivals any maple for autumn color. This medium-sized oak grows faster than most oak species while maintaining the classic oak strength and longevity. Its deeply lobed leaves create beautiful filtered shade in summer before transforming into a spectacular red display that lasts for weeks.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
50-80 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Scarlet Oak in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shade-tree →Zone Map
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Scarlet Oak · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Shade, Wildlife Cover/Habitat, Wildlife Food Source, Wildlife Larval Host, Wildlife Nesting. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 50 ft. 0 in. - 80 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 45 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is a 1/2- to 1-inch-long acorn that occurs singly or in pairs and is half covered by a deep bowl-like cap. The exposed acorn often has concentric, circular rings. The cap scales are shiny. Bitter in taste and require 2 seasons to mature. It starts producing at age 20.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Nut. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Acorns can be eaten once to tannins have been leached or boiled out.
History & Origin
Origin: Northern Central & Eastern U.S.A
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Moths, Pollinators, Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Edible: Acorns can be eaten once to tannins have been leached or boiled out.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves, Seeds): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Wild Ginger
Thrives in acidic soil conditions created by oak leaf litter, provides natural groundcover
Ferns
Tolerates shade and acidic conditions, complements oak's natural woodland ecosystem
Azaleas
Acid-loving shrub that thrives under oak canopy, benefits from natural mulch of fallen leaves
Rhododendrons
Prefers acidic soil and partial shade provided by oak, creates layered woodland garden
Hostas
Shade-tolerant perennial that benefits from oak's filtered light and leaf mulch
Coral Bells
Adapts well to acidic soil and dappled shade beneath oak canopy
Wild Columbine
Native woodland plant that naturalizes well in oak's acidic, shaded environment
Winterberry Holly
Acid-tolerant shrub that provides winter interest and wildlife food alongside oak
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that can stress oak trees and compete for similar growing space
Sugar Maple
Competes directly for sunlight and nutrients, creates dense canopy competition
Lawn Grass
Competes with shallow oak roots for water and nutrients, suffers in acidic leaf litter
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most oak diseases
Common Pests
Gypsy moth, oak leaf roller, scale insects
Diseases
Oak wilt, anthracnose, leaf spot