Scarlet Oak
Specifications
- Latin (scientific) name: Quercus coccinea. Coccinea is Latin referring to the fall leaf color.
- Life expectancy: 300 years
- Height: 133 feet
- Circumference: 13 feet
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The height and circumference measurements listed above are for the largest-known scarlet oak in Atlanta. This tree is located at Emory University Lullwater Park.
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Special characteristics:
The scarlet oak is not terribly common in Georgia, but it is not rare, either. This is a stately tree that draws a lot of admiration, but it doesn't get as large as a southern red oak. It grows quickly and turns a brilliant red in the Fall.
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Annoyance factors:
Acorns are small, about 3/4 inch in length, and the cup covers about half of the seed.
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Fun Facts:
The acorns of the scarlet oak are favorite food for wildlife including squirrels and chipmunks, bluejays, red-headed woodpeckers, wild turkeys, mice, and deer.
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Photo Credits:
Bark: Steven J. Baskauf, Vanderbilt University Bioimages
Leaves: Steven J. Baskauf, Vanderbilt University Bioimages
Acorn: Franklin Bonner, USFS (ret.), Bugwood.org
Fall color: T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Flowers: Steven J. Baskauf, Vanderbilt University Bioimages