Quercus coccinea

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Quercus coccinea
SCARLET OAK

Fagaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates B-14 (near northeast corner of tennis courts), N 39°11'18'' W 75°32'39''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:
  • medium-sized deciduous tree
  • etymology: Quercus = the Latin name; coccinea = scarlet (for the bright red fall foliage)
  • leaves simple, alternate; deeply lobed; shiny above
  • monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same tree); flowers tiny; male flowers in drooping catkins, female flowers inconspicuous
  • fruit is an acorn (develops from ovary of female flower)
  • in the “red/black oak” group: leaf lobes with bristle-tips; acorn matures in 2 years, relatively bitter and inedible unless processed
  • end buds clustered (typical of oaks)
  • fast-growing, relatively pest-free, likes acid soil.

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)
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