SHUMARD OAK
Quercus shumardii
(KWER-kus shoo-MARD-ee-eye)
Shumard’s Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Spanish Oak, Spotted Oak
| Family | Fagaceae (black oak family) |
| Description | A native tree prized for its graceful shape and fall color |
| Plant habit | Large shade tree with a handsome, symmetrical shape |
| Landscape use |
Plant as a specimen for a majestic shade tree Locate carefully; provide ample space away from structures and utilities Provides food and shelter to a variety of beneficial insects and wildlife |
| Average mature size | 60’ tall x 50’ wide |
| Growth rate |
Fast Difficult to transplant due to deep taproots; buy stock from a dependable nursery |
| Sun exposure | Sun |
| Soil requirements | Tolerates a wide range of soils including heavy, alkaline soils |
| Water requirements |
Medium low Does not tolerate wet, poorly-drained soils Drought tolerant once established |
| Heat tolerance | High |
| Foliage |
Deciduous Lustrous green, deeply cut, symmetrical leaves Crimson red, russet, bronze and deep maroon fall color |
| Flowers | Inconspicuous green or brown catkins |
| Blooming period | Spring |
| Fruit characteristics | Small 1” striated acorns |
| Pests and disease | Susceptible to oak wilt, otherwise relatively free from pests and disease |
| Other |
Consider provenance (origin) of the tree; purchase a tree grown from a regional seed source to ensure adaptability, as nursery stock of unknown origin may not survive (ask your nursery professional) Shumard and texas oaks readily hybridize resulting in many intermediate forms Purchase an oak in fall to see its color; several cold snaps may be necessary to trigger color change |
“A properly chosen red oak tree will be a long-lived garden companion.”
- Scott Ogden, Garden Success with Difficult soils.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|