The Scarlet Oak in many points resembles the one I have just described.
Like the red oak, its branches are regular and comparatively free from
contortions, and the quality of its timber is inferior. The leaves are
distinguished from those of all other species by their deep sinuosities,
being almost like the skeletons of a leaf, the lobes terminating in
narrow teeth with long sharp points. This tree is greatly admired in
landscape, and on large estates it is constantly preserved as an
ornament. Its chief attraction is the bright color of its autumn
foliage; but the fine gloss and deep verdure of its leaves in summer are
very beautiful. It turns in autumn to a dark crimson, not a scarlet, as
the name would imply. It could not justly be named scarlet, save when it
is brightened by sunshine, which adds to all crimson foliage a little
gold. But as the oaks are very late in assuming their autumnal tints,
and are not in their brightest condition until the maples have faded,
the Scarlet Oak, when it has attained its full splendor, is the most
beautiful tree of the forest.
There are certain trees which we do not highly value in landscape as
single individuals, while they attract our attention in assemblages. Our
hills, for example, in some parts of the country, are nearly covered
with a growth of Scrub Oak, or Bear Oak. They are not ornamental as
single trees, and they are prone to usurp the whole ground, excluding
that charming variety of shrubs which constitutes the beauty of our
half-wooded hills.