Scarlet Oak, as its name implies, has one of the best fall colors for all the different oaks grown in the Pacific Northwest. During the summer the foliage is shiny green above and pale beneath.

This deciduous tree often grows to a height of 70’, with a width of 50’ with a pyramidal shape and a horizontal branching structure. Leaves are arranged alternately in a simple fashion. They are 3” to 7” long and have an oval shape and bristle-tipped lobes. This species features deep C-shaped sinuses between the lobes, which vary in depth and width. Conversely Pin Oak is known for its U” shaped sinuses.

This is a monoecious species (separate male and female parts). Male flowers consist of slender yellow-green catkins while female flowers are borne on very short axilliary spikes. Both types of flowers appear with the leaves in spring.

Female flowers produce the acorns, which are one half to one inch long, with the cap covering 1/2 of the nut.