Oak, Scarlet

Introducing the Scarlet Oak, scientifically known as Quercus coccinea. Often mistaken for the Northern Red Oak, these two species share many similarities in their bark and leaves. However, the Scarlet Oak prefers ridge-top, dry areas and is typically found alongside the Black Oak, unlike the Northern Red Oak. The mature bark of the Scarlet Oak is rough, nearly black, and divided into irregular scaly ridges separated by shallow fissures. Unlike the Northern Red Oak, the "ski tracks" on the Scarlet Oak's bark are not continuous and are often broken. The inner bark of the Scarlet Oak is distinctively pinkish-red, aligning with its name. The leaves of the Scarlet Oak are bright green, smooth, and shiny, featuring 5 or 7 lobes with deep separations between them, making the leaves appear thin. Flowers appear in April and May, leading to the development of medium-sized acorns, which are typically wider than they are deep. These acorns turn reddish-brown as they ripen in the fall.