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Quercus shumardii (Shumard Oak)

Shumard Oak, Shumard's Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Southern Red Oak, Swamp Red Oak, Spotted Oak

Quercus shumardii, Shumard Oak, Shumard's Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Southern Red Oak, Swamp Red Oak, Spotted Oak, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree
Quercus shumardii, Shumard Oak, Shumard's Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Southern Red Oak, Swamp Red Oak, Spotted Oak, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree

Relatively fast-growing and adaptable, Quercus shumardii (Shumard Oak) is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of pyramidal habit in youth, becoming upright-spreading and open with age. The foliage of deeply-cut, lustrous, dark green leaves adorned with 7-9 lobes turns brilliant reddish to yellow-bronze in the fall. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins appear in spring as the new leaves unfurl. The acorns, if produced, have a broadly rounded apex and a flat base. The thick, smooth, gray bark becomes furrowed and darker gray over time. Prized for its spectacular fall color, drought resistance, and ability to withstand short-term flooding, Shumard Oak makes a handsome shade tree.

  • Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall (12-18 m) and 30-40 ft. wide (9-12 m).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in dry to medium moisture, acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including wet soils. Drought tolerant.
  • Oaks may be affected by oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
  • Propagate by seed or by grafting in mid-autumn or late winter.
  • Toxic to horses.
  • Native to the southern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Oak, Southern Red Oak, Shumard Oak
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 40' - 60'
(12.2m - 18.3m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Quercus douglasii (Blue Oak)
Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak)
Quercus myrtifolia (Myrtle Oak)
Quercus velutina (Black Oak)
Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak)
Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)

Recommended Companion Plants

Carya glabra (Pignut Hickory)
Fraxinus americana (White Ash)
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Tilia americana (American Basswood)
Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
Ilex opaca (American Holly)
Rhododendron austrinum (Florida Flame Azalea)
Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian Witch Hazel)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
Green Canopy, Better World: Exploring the Benefits of Trees
Trees that Invite Wildlife to Your Garden
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Quercus (Oak) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Grow Your Own Oak Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Acorns
8 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Plant an Oak Tree
Native Oak Trees: A Must-Have for Your Landscape
Native Plant Alternatives to Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Oak, Southern Red Oak, Shumard Oak
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 40' - 60'
(12.2m - 18.3m)
Spread 30' - 40'
(9.1m - 12.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Quercus (Oak)
Not sure which Quercus (Oak) to pick?
Compare Now

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