Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii)

Shumard oak

Shumard oak is a tree marketed for lumber that is often used for flooring, furniture, interior trim, and cabinetry. This tree can also produce multi-seeded acorns which serve as wildlife food for animals such as birds, white-tailed deer, and squirrels.

Scientific classification

Species

Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii)

Beeches, walnuts, and allied trees

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

12 m to 18 m

Plant Height

12 m to 15 m

Spread

Green, Red, Gold, Brown

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Green

Flower Color

Brown, Green, Silver

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Shumard oak

Attributes of Shumard oak

Growth Rate

Given its moderate growth rate, shumard oak sees steady development throughout spring and summer. Typical height increases are observed with consistent leaf production, the pace aligning with its growth speed. The secondary shoot development is stimulated during summer, enhancing the tree's canopy. The moderate tempo safeguards against water-stress, an advantageous horticultural trait. Growth rate variation does occur, with less prominent increase during other seasons.

Culture

Garden Use

Shumard oak is a popular tree prized for its hardiness and colorful fall foliage. It is commonly used as a shade tree and is essential in urban gardens. Plant it with yews, rhododendrons, and boxwood for texture. Astilbe, snowdrops, daffodils, and crocus add contrasting color.

Symbolism

Protection, Health, Money

Name Story

Shumard oak: It is considered a "handsome" shade tree and is suggested as a substitute for Scarlet Oak even though it is not as hardy in northward regions. The plant is named Shumard oak in memory of Benjamin Franklin Shumard, a state geologist of Texas.

Swamp red oak: Quercus shumardii is typically found in lowland areas and is able to survive where the soils experience flooding for six weeks of the year. The lumber of Quercus shumardii is considered "mechanically superior" to that of other red oaks, so it is called swamp red oak.

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Toxicity

The shumard oak tree contains tannins in its leaves and seeds, posing risks such as digestive issues in children and depressive symptoms. For dogs and cats, ingestion of shumard oak leads to gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if symptoms arise.

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Quickly Identify Shumard oak

Distinctive red foliage in autumn, up to 7 inches (18 cm) long leaves with pointed lobes.

Male catkins form slender, drooping clusters, while female flowers are single or in clusters.

Oblong-ovoid acorns, 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches (1.9 to 3.2 cm) long with scaly caps.

Robust growth reaching 70 feet (21 meters) with a pyramidal to rounded silhouette.

Grayish-brown stem with glabrous surface and clustered, 1/4 inch (6 mm) long buds.

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Care Guide for Shumard oak

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Shumard oak thrives in moderate water conditions, needing watering once every 1-2 weeks. As a deciduous tree, it enters dormancy in colder months, which lessens its water requirements significantly.

Fertilize: To care for shumard oak, apply balanced fertilizers in spring and fall for established trees, and use high nitrogen for younger plants to promote growth. Limit nitrogen to 2-4 pounds per 1000 sq ft annually and conduct soil tests to adjust fertilizers accordingly. Use slow-release formulas.

Pruning: Shumard oak thrives with early spring pruning to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches for healthy growth and optimal shape. Avoid heavy pruning to reduce stress. This practice enhances air circulation and reduces disease risk, promoting overall robustness.

Propagation: Shumard oak can be propagated via hardwood cuttings, layering (air), and seed sowing in autumn and winter. The propagation difficulty is medium, with signs of success indicated by new shoots. Keeping the cutting or seed moist is crucial for successful propagation.

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