Scarlet oak is a drought-tolerant and fast-growing oak tree, growing 1-3 feet per year and beginning acorn production at around 20 years old. Along with its rapid growth (for an oak), this tree has brilliant red fall foliage and an open crown texture, making it a popular shade and ornamental tree. It also provides wildlife with food and shelter. The acorns are consumed by small mammals, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and other birds. In times of scare food, deer will also eat young oak sprouts. The trunks of scarlet oak form many cavities which are used as nesting sites by small mammals and birds such as, squirrels, owls, and woodpeckers.