Native Scarlet Oak

The mighty Scarlet Oak. Though few garden centers carry it, this is one of the most spectacular Oak Trees you can grow, and it isn’t hard to please. Plant it as a street tree, as a single specimen in a large lawn, or use it to line your driveway or property border in the country. In time, it will stand tall and proud in your landscape, lifting its strong limbs high above the ground. This long-lived tree will stand for generations as a precious gift to future shade seekers and as an emblem of your own lasting legacy. But don’t think that only your grandchildren will enjoy it! The aptly named Scarlet Oak has some of the most brilliant red fall color of all the Oaks, and it will delight you every year.

You don’t hear much about it. It has to take a backseat to White Oak, Red Oak, and Pin Oak, but Scarlet Oak is a magnificent tree, too. Native to the U.S., it’s common in sandy or rocky soil in the South and is found in smaller populations as far north as Minnesota and Maine. Its fondness for these tough conditions means it is supremely adapted to drought in the landscape. Scarlet Oak in the wild is a boon for wildlife. The acorns are bitter but nutritious and are food for blue jays, woodpeckers, squirrels, and deer. The foliage feeds a wide array of tiny insects, which in turn feed many species of songbirds.

How big does Scarlet Oak get? The national champion, in Mercer, New Jersey, tops out at 128 feet in height by 122 feet in spread. It has a trunk over 5 feet thick. Most Scarlet Oaks will only ever get about half that size.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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