Quercus coccinea - scarlet oak

Height: 40’-75’
Spread: 25’-50’
Light Needs: Full sun
Water: well-drained, average to dry
Flower color: Gold/Yellow and green
Bloom time: March to April

Entomologist and author, Dr. Tallamy says that oaks are the most important trees for supporting native wildlife. Nationally, oaks are host plants for the caterpillars of over 800 species of butterflies and moths. These insects, in turn, are food for a wide assortment of birds and many other species of wildlife. In addition, their acorns feed many more animals. Young plants may be browsed by deer. Scarlet oak is a large deciduous tree that might be best for a large property. It is strong and can live for centuries. This species is often found high on the tops of ridges. The leaves resemble those of a red oak but have narrower lobes. The common name refers to its scarlet fall color.