Upper branches with leaves on a Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak) grown in a 25-gallon container
Close-up of the spiky, lobed leaves of Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak)

Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak)

Regular price$189.95
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Available for local pick-up and delivery only
Qualifies for Marylanders Plant Trees Coupon ($25 Off) - see below for more info

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Quercus coccinea, commonly called scarlet oak and occasionally called black oak, is a large, rounded oak tree that is a shwoy member of the red oak group, a common grouping of oaks based on the color of their fall foliage. Quercus coccinea grows to 50-80' tall at maturity. Scarlet oak is known for its glossy green wide-lobed leaves which turn to a bright, eye-catching scarlet-red hue in the fall. As an oak, Quercus coccinea also produces acorns, but first fruit doesn't typically appear for about 20 years, though as a fast growing species, scarlet oak will already be at an impressive size by this point. Acorns are relatively average in appearance, but may be smaller than some species with a shiny, rounded or bowl-shaped cap. Quercus coccinea is typically planted for ornamental uses, but is a relatively hardy species once established, capable of withstanding drought, dry soil, and intense heat. Scarlet oak is typically found in drier upland forest environments, meaning that they tend to prefer sandy, medium-dry soils and occasionally acidic conditions.

In addition to ornamental use, while fall foliage makes it a great pick as a specimen tree, scarlet oak has a great deal of ecological appeal too; structure of the tree is attractive as shelter for a variety of insects, birds, and small mammals. In addition, scarlet oak acorns are ecologically valuable to a number of species including white-tailed deer, bear, wild turkey, blue jays, and various species of squirrel and waterfowl. In addition to acorn value, many oak species are regarded as important keystone plants for their support of larval butterflies and moths, and Quercus coccinea is no different; scarlet oak is a host to the caterpillars of several species of hairstreak butterfly and duskywing moth, as well as the attractive imperial moth (Eacles imperialis).

Straight Species, Native to U.S., Native to Maryland, and Native to Eastern Shore
Mature Tree Height: Large: over 30 feet
Deciduous
Sun (6+ hours)
Soil Moisture: Medium to Dry and Well-drained
Soil Type: Wide Tolerance, Sand, and Acidic
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Yellow and Green
Foliage Color: Green
Features: Attracts Birds, Attracts Wildlife, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Host Plant for Butterflies or Moths, Keystone Plant, and Fall Color
Tolerances: Black Walnut Tolerant, Clay Soil Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, and Deer Tolerant
Garden Type: Meadow, Woodland Garden, Specimen Tree, and Shade Tree

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Marylanders Plant Trees

From the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

"We launched Marylanders Plant Trees in 2009 to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State to plant new trees. Today, citizens can still take advantage of our coupon program to receive $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State. The State cost of $20 per coupon is funded through a settlement from a major power generator for Clean Air Act violations, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, and Maryland’s participating tree vendors are generously absorbing the remaining $5.

Trees must be planted in the state of Maryland to qualify for $25 off coupon.
Wholesale customers do not qualify.