The Trees at Keele
Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea
This species is a native of SE and Central USA that can grow to 30m. The leaf is up to 18cm long, glossy green, with up to seven lobes, each ending in a point which may have a terminal whisker. The lobes are separated by deep indentations or sinuses. As the name suggests, the autumn colours are a deep red. The leaf is very similar to that of Pin Oak. In that species the sinuses are a broad "U" shape whereas in Scarlet Oak they are like a slightly squashed "C". Also, Pin Oak has tufts of brownish hairs in the vein axils underneath, whereas this species is almost hairless.
Location : there is one memorial tree to the side of Firs Hill; square M10; tag 1005.