Scarlet oak, Red oak, Black oak
Quercus coccinea
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A tree 20-25 m tall. It spreads 12-15 m wide. The trunk is 60-90 cm across. The bark is grey-brown. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are 10-15 cm long. There are 7-9 deep lobes. The leaf stalks are 4-6 cm long. The leaves are glossy and deeply divided. They are dark green but turn bright red in autumn. The acorns are 15-20 mm long. They are squat and fat. The cup encloses one half of the acorn. The scales are light reddish-brown.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to eastern North America. Trees are frost hardy. It will grow on most soils except those with lime. It cannot tolerate shade. Hobart Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 2-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, nut
How it is grown
It is fast growing.