The Scarlet Oak is a stunning addition to any landscape, with its vibrant fall foliage and glossy summer leaves. This medium to large-sized tree is perfect for providing shade in drier locations and can also be planted as a street tree. It is important to give the Scarlet Oak enough space to grow to its mature size since it is a large tree. Scarlet Oak is also known for its edible and medicinal uses. The seeds can be cooked, ground into a powder, and used as a thickener in stews or mixed with cereals for making bread. The roasted seeds can also be used as a coffee substitute. The galls produced on the tree are strongly astringent and can be used to treat hemorrhages, chronic diarrhea, and dysentery. Native to the eastern half of the United States and southern Ontario, Canada, the Scarlet Oak is characterized by its lobed leaves with deep sinuses between the lobes. The acorns are ovoid and green, maturing to a pale brown about 18 months after pollination, and are half covered by a deep cap. Plant Scarlet Oak for its stunning fall color, shade, and multiple uses.