Quercus coccinea

Quercus coccinea is a red oak native to the southeast, although less common in the southernmost states and absent from Florida. It is found naturally in dry upland forests, and prefers to be grown in similar conditions. It is drought tolerant and has bright red fall color (hence the common name of Scarlet oak). The lobes (or “sinuses”) on these leaves are deeply cut, which helps distinguish it from other red oaks. Quercus coccinea can be used as a specimen tree in a street or yard, or for restoration projects in dry sites. Oak acorns are an important food source for much of our wildlife, and oak trees serve as important hosts to much of our butterfly, pollinator, and insect life.