Shumard Oak (Quercus Shumardii)

Features and Characteristics

Quercus shumardii, commonly called Shumard oak, is a medium sized, deciduous tree of the red oak group. Pyramidal in youth but spreads to a broad open crown with age. Typically grows at a moderately fast rate to a height of 40-60′ (to 100′ in the wild). Shiny, dark green leaves (6-8″ long) with deep, spiny lobes (usually 7-9 lobes). Fall color appears late, but is often a respectable brownish red. Insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in early spring as the leaves emerge. Fruits are acorns which are usually not produced until the tree has reached the age of 25 years. Indigenous to central and southern Missouri in moist locations in bottomlands and lowlands, including sites along streams and lakes, valleys, floodplains and at the edge of swamps. However, in the St. Louis area, it is most often found on dry, elevated sites. Similar in appearance and habit to scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea).

Genus name comes from the classical Latin name for oak trees.