Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
 
The scarlet oak is a striking, medium to large deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States, prized for its brilliant fall color and strong, upright form. Growing 60 to 80 feet tall, it features a straight trunk and an open, rounded crown. Its glossy, deeply lobed leaves have sharply pointed tips and turn a vivid scarlet red in autumn—among the most dazzling of all native oaks. In spring, the tree produces yellow-green catkins and small, rounded acorns with deep, bowl-shaped caps that mature in two seasons. The bark is dark gray with ridges and becomes more textured with age. Scarlet oaks prefer well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and are often found on dry ridges and hillsides. Fast-growing and tolerant of urban conditions, they are commonly planted as ornamental shade trees. With their bold color, resilience, and wildlife value, scarlet oaks add both drama and ecological richness to the landscape.