Plant Family: Fagaceae
Growth Form: Medium-sized to potentially a large tree.
Leaves / Buds: Alternate, simple, with 5 to 7 lobes with bristle tips, the sinuses are broad and deep, extending two-thirds of the way to the midrib; leaves turn scarlet in the fall. The upper half of the winter buds are covered with whitish hairs.
Bark: Medium gray, fissured.
Fruits: Brown acorns with a bowl-shaped cup that covers one-half of the nut; the point of the nut has concentric circles.
Habitat: Dry hillsides and woodlands with sandy or rocky soils; commonly cultivated for its shade, fall color, and fast growth rate.
Range: Uncommon to rare in northern New England, common in southern New England, ranging south to northern Georgia.
Similar Species: Pin Oak has similar leaves and acorns, but the lower branches of that tree slope downward, short pin-like twigs are usually present along the branches, and the buds are hairless.
Comments: Scarlet Oak is the official tree of Washington D.C.
