Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak)

Scarlet oak is a deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States. It grows in dry upland woods and commonly reaches fifty to eighty feet tall, with an open, rounded crown. Deeply cut, bristle-tipped leaves often turn vivid scarlet late in autumn. The acorns take two growing seasons to mature and have deep, bowl-shaped cups with closely fitted scales. Photographed in Virginia.