Quercus coccinea
scarlet oak
A substantial deciduous tree, ultimately to 24m in height, with large leaves, 7.5-15cm long, deeply 7- sometimes 9-lobed, and coarsely toothed at the apex. Leaves are dark green above, paler beneath, both sides shining, becoming scarlet in autumn, the colour long-lasting. Flowers are yellow-green catkins, in spring. Acorns, if produced, to 2.5cm long and nearly as wide, partly enclosed in a deep, thin-edged cup
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E USA, S Canada
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. A fast growing spreading deciduous tree
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sowing as soon as ripe, in a coldframe or grafting in mid-autumn or early winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.