Range.—Maine to North Carolina and west to Minnesota and Nebraska.
Distribution in West Virginia.—Common in all parts of the State except at high elevations.
Habitat.—Prefers dry sandy soil of hillsides and ridges.
Notes.—The wood of Scarlet Oak is of less value than that of several other oaks, but is frequently used for lumber, cross-ties, and other purposes. The tree is desirable for streets or parks and in autumn is especially attractive.
BLACK OAK
Quercus velutina, Lam.
Form.—Height 50-100 feet, diameter 2-4 feet; trunk long, clear, slightly tapering; crown spreading and rounded.
Leaves.—Alternate, simple, 5-10 inches long, lobes usually 7, with coarse, bristle-tipped teeth, thick and firm, dark green and shining above, paler beneath; on lower limbs and young trees, often with rounded, mucronate lobes; petioles yellowish.