Scarlet is a vivid red color that has become associated with various objects, animals, places, and concepts. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable things that are known for being scarlet in color.
Scarlet Tanagers
One of the most well-known scarlet colored animals is the scarlet tanager. This medium-sized songbird is native to North America and gets its name from its striking plumage. The male scarlet tanager has bright scarlet red feathers on most of its body, with black wings and tail. The female tanager is yellow with olive-colored wings and tail. The vivid scarlet red of the male makes it stand out in the forest canopy. Scarlet tanagers breed in eastern North America and migrate to South America for the winter.
Scarlet Macaws
Scarlet macaws are large, colorful parrots that are found in Central and South America. They get their name from their bright scarlet plumage. Scarlet macaws have red feathers on most of their body, blue and yellow feathers on their wings, and white facial patches. Their long tail feathers are scarlet red with bright blue tips. Scarlet macaws are highly intelligent and social birds that mate for life. They live in tropical forests and savannas and feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds. Scarlet macaws are also popular pets due to their beauty and intelligence.
Scarlet Ibis
| Scientific Name | Eudocimus ruber |
|---|---|
| Regions Found | South America, Caribbean islands |
| Distinctive Features | Bright scarlet plumage, curved red bill, red legs |
| Habitat | Coastal swamps, mudflats, mangrove forests |
The scarlet ibis is a large wading bird found in South America. As the name suggests, it has vivid scarlet red plumage covering its entire body. Even its bill and legs are bright red. Scarlet ibises live in coastal swamps and wetlands. Their diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, and insects. The scarlet ibis’ brilliant red color makes it a striking sight when seen in groups.
Scarlet Pimpernel
The scarlet pimpernel is a bright red wildflower that grows in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Its scientific name is Anagallis arvensis. The scarlet pimpernel has five petals that form a star shape. Tiny black dots speckle the bright red petals. Leaves are green and oval-shaped. This low-growing plant thrives in fields, meadows, and woodland areas. ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ is also the title of a classic 1905 novel by Baroness Emma Orczy. The book’s hero wears a scarlet pimpernel as his emblem.
Scarlet Oak
| Scientific Name | Quercus coccinea |
|---|---|
| Regions Found | Eastern United States |
| Mature Height | 50-75 ft (15-23 m) |
| Leaves | Green above, scarlet underneath |
| Flowers & Fruits | Inconspicuous; Acorns with shallow caps |
The scarlet oak is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. As its name implies, scarlet oak trees have leaves that are green on top and vivid scarlet red underneath. The leaves turn an attractive mix of red and brown in autumn. The acorns of the scarlet oak have shallow caps. Scarlet oaks grow in forests, fields, and along roadsides. Their scarlet fall foliage and striking winter form make them popular landscape trees.
Scarlet Carnations
Carnations are a popular flower around the world. Scarlet carnations have bright red blossoms that symbolize admiration, pride, and joy. The ruffled petals and clove-like scent make them popular for bouquets and flower arrangements. Carnations belong to the Dianthus family. Scarlet carnations pair nicely with white carnations for a graduation or prom corsage. They can also express romantic feelings when given to a loved one. Spain produces abundant scarlet carnations for the global flower market.
Scarlet Dragon Fruit
| Scientific Name | Hylocereus polyrhizus |
|---|---|
| Texture | Juicy, crunchy |
| Taste | Sweet, mild |
| Color | Scarlet red flesh |
| Nutrients | Vitamin C, antioxidants |
Scarlet dragon fruit is a tropical fruit with bright red skin and flesh. It grows on vining cacti in Asia, Central America, and Israel. The oval fruit has scaly, red skin and sweet, crunchy, white flesh studded with edible black seeds. Scarlet dragon fruit contains high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste often compared to kiwi or pear. Dragon fruit pairs well with mango, banana, and coconut. It can be eaten fresh or used in smoothies, sorbets, and fruit salads.
Scarlet Begonias
Scarlet begonias are a hybrid variety of tuberous begonia prized for their vibrant red blossoms. The bright orange-red flowers bloom abundantly atop green succulent stems from spring to fall. Scarlet begonias thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They make excellent bedding plants and container plants. Begonias symbolize gratitude and creativity. The Grateful Dead song “Scarlet Begonias” features the line “I ain’t often right but I’ve never been wrong, It seldom turns out the way it does in the song.”
Scarlet Letter
In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter, a scarlet “A” represents adultery. The story’s protagonist, Hester Prynne, is forced to wear a scarlet letter A embroidered on her clothes as punishment for having an extramarital affair. The scarlet letter brands Hester as an adulteress within her Puritan community. While meant to shame Hester, the scarlet letter also reveals the hypocrisy and intolerance of her society. The novel explores guilt, legalism, and redemption in colonial America. Hawthorne shows how the scarlet letter ends up empowering Hester rather than stigmatizing her.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a contagious bacterial infection that mostly affects children. Symptoms include a bright red rash on the cheeks, a flushed face, fever, sore throat, and a strawberry-like tongue. Scarlet fever was deadly in the 1800s but is now easily treated with antibiotics. It is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, the same bacteria that causes strep throat. Scarlet fever spreads through contact with airborne droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Good hygiene helps prevent infection. Untreated, scarlet fever can lead to complications like arthritis, kidney disease, or heart problems.
Conclusion
From birds and flowers to diseases and literary symbols, scarlet is a color that conveys vivid intensity in many contexts. Whether found in nature, culture, or the imagination, scarlet objects and entities stand out with eye-catching red hues. The color embodies concepts like passion, courage, vibrancy, and vigilance across artistic, biological and linguistic realms. When evaluating what things qualify as scarlet, we find the defining link is not just redness, but a specific rich, crimson shade with hints of orange that spark attention and emotion.