Quercus coccinea
Scarlet Oak
 
Scarlet oak is a classic New England tree with serious fall drama. As the season winds down, its leaves turn a vivid red that can light up an entire hillside. This oak prefers dry, well-drained, acidic soils and is well suited to upland sites, making it a strong choice for landscapes where durability matters.
 
Like all oaks, scarlet oak punches far above its weight ecologically. It supports hundreds of species of moths and butterflies and produces acorns that feed birds and mammals. Planting one is a long-term gift—to your landscape and to the wildlife that will rely on it for decades to come.
 
photo by Jean-Pol Grandmont