Description
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers dry, acidic, sandy soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Scarlet oak is a large tree with a rounded, open habit which eventually matures to 70′ tall. Leaves are 3-6″ long and deeply cut with bristle-tipped, pointed lobes. Foliage is a glossy green in summer turning to scarlet in fall. Monoecious, with neither male (drooping catkins) nor female (solitary or clustered) flowers being showy. Fruit is an acorn (1/2″ to 1″ long). Native to southeastern Missouri.
General Use
A stately shade tree for the lawn, particularly in drier locations, with excellent fall color. Also a good street tree. Since it is a large tree, it must be planted in a location where it will have sufficient space to grow upward and spread to its mature size.
Problems
No serious problems. This tree is long-living, durable and considered to be a low-maintenance tree to grow.
