An intolerant tree on dry uplands throughout the Appalachian region. "Coccinea" refers to the scarlet color of the fall foliage. Leaves are deciduous, deeply lobed with wide, circular sinuses, and glabrous except for axillary tufts below. Twigs are to 1/4", often angled with pubescence above the center of the bud. Fruit is to 1" with 1/2 enclosed in a bowl-like cap with tight shiny scales. The nut often has concentric rings near the apex. Bark is similar to Q. rubra but with more prominently developed ridges separated by shallow fissures.