Quercus shumardii

The Shumard oak, commonly called a “Red oak”, is one of the largest oak species in the red oak group. It might as well be the official tree of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. But it grows vigorously all over northeast, central, east, and southeast Texas including Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Shumard oaks are cultivated as far north as Ontario and as far south as Florida. The Shumard oak prefers partial to full sun and it is drought-resistant. Unless you are in a desert, it will grow in your area.
 
Our 100-Gal Shumard "Red Oaks" are 15-16 feet tall, have a caliper of 4.5-5.0 inches, and a spread of 8-9 feet.

Mature Shumard oaks teach heights of 80-115 feet. Crown width is typically 40–60 feet. Size varies by region, with larger specimens occurring in the southern portions of the native range. Record Shumard oaks have been measured at up to 200 feet tall, and 90 feet across.

Trunk diameter is typically 24-40 inches. Trunks are relatively straight and vertical. Trunks may have fluted buttresses near the ground.

The leaves are 4-8 inches long and have 5–9 lobes eacn. Each lobe is terminated by a bristle-tipped point. The leaves are dark green on the top and slightly lighter underneath. The leaves turn brown to red in the fall and sometimes have hues of yellow mixed in. Fall colors are relatively late.



Shumard Oaks tolerate and thrive in a wide range of soil types. Shumard oak is often found in lowland areas and is able to survive in areas that experience flooding for six weeks of the year.

The young bark of the Shumard oak is light gray, very smooth, and very reflective. Shumard oak bark darkens and develops ridges and furrows as it gets older.

Shumard oaks have large acorns of about 1 inch in diameter. Acorns take 1.5-3 years to mature. Shumard oaks begin to bear seeds at a minimum of 25 years of age. The acorns of the Shumard oak provide food for wild turkey quail, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, and squirrels. The leaves and twigs can also provide browse for white-tailed deer.

Shumard oak lumber is grouped with other red oak lumber for use in flooring, furniture, interior trim, decorative molding, paneling, and cabinetry.

Shumard oak is highly valued as a shade tree.

Shumard oaks can be at least 480 years old.