Tree 27

Quercus coccinea

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Quick Facts

Genus: Quercus

Species: coccinea

Common Names: Scarlet oak

Mature Size: 12-30 metres

Height: 13 metres
Width: 15 metres
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 73cm

Age of Tree: Semi-mature, this tree is less than half way to its mature size in this wide nature strip.

Place of Origin: Central and eastern USA.

Plant Habit: Broad spreading tree, deciduous in winter, with bright scarlet red autumn colour.

Growth Habit: Slow in our hot dry climate.

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Story

It is believed that this tree was part of 100 trees that were planted by schoolchildren in September 1936 at the eastern and western entrances to Ballan (Simpson Street was then the main road).

Tree guards were provided by the Shire Council, and the trees themselves by the Forest Commission.

There was a large attendance of children and parents, and all were entertained at afternoon tea by the Mothers Club.

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Horticultural Information

Preferred Conditions: are good summer soil moisture in a well draining loam soil.
Tolerances: Not tolerant to prolong drought, can withstand short dry periods

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Medium, not known to survive extended years. It is prone to extensive fungal decay, especially when over pruned or lopped. This results in branch and stem failures in my experience.

Significance: Street tree outside 78 Simpson Street.

Features: Foliage a deeply lopped leaves of 7-9 lobes, with bristles at the end of each lobe. Strong red autumn colour; this is the signature tree of Washington DC.

Acorns are 7-14mm broad, with the cap covering a minimum of 50% of the acorn, which has a fine point and is mostly 30mm high. The kernels are bitter, and take 18 months or more to mature; consumed by wild life in its home of origin.

Points of Interest: Its strong autumn colour, broad spreading canopy, providing deep shade.

Additional Notes

Wood is pale in colour, easily worked, including glueing and staining. Not durable outdoors.
Large street tree in a group of mixed Oaks; it will continue to grow larger.

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