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scarlet oak
ExplorePlants
scarlet oak
Quercus coccinea
The scarlet oak is a beautiful tree known for its bright red leaves in the fall. It provides shade and homes for many animals, making it a special part of the forest.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The scarlet oak is a large deciduous tree with deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that turn a brilliant scarlet red in autumn. Its dark gray bark becomes furrowed with age, revealing reddish-brown inner bark in the fissures. The leaves often have pointed tips.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its acorns take two whole years to ripen, which is unusual for an oak tree!
Many insects, like gall wasps, lay their eggs on scarlet oak, creating unique growths!
Scarlet oaks can easily hybridize, or mix genes, with other oak species, making unique new trees!
The 'scarlet' in its name comes from the dazzling red color its leaves turn each autumn.
Special abilities
Ability
Acorn Armor
Scarlet oak has acorns protected by tannins, which deters some pests from eating them all.
Ability
Fire Fighter Bark
Its thick, corky bark helps the scarlet oak survive wildfires that might harm other trees.
Ability
Deep Drinker
Scarlet oak develops deep roots that allow it to reach underground water sources, surviving dry spells.
Ability
Seasonal Shedder
Scarlet oak can drop its leaves in winter to conserve water and energy during colder months.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1800-3000 cm
- Spread
- 1200-2000 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Caches and feeds on its protein-rich acorns.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on its twigs and leaves, especially seedlings.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Stores acorns for winter, helping to disperse seeds.
depends on
Scarlet Oak Gall Wasp
Callirhytis quercuscoccineae
Forms distinctive galls on its leaves and stems.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay away from the tree's branches and don't climb too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is scarlet oak?
1800-3000 cm
How wide does scarlet oak spread?
1200-2000 cm
When does scarlet oak bloom?
Spring
Is scarlet oak edible?
No
Is scarlet oak toxic?
Mild
What is scarlet oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is scarlet oak pollinated?
Wind
Where is scarlet oak usually found?
Forests
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