Shumard Oak, Shumard's Oak, Shumard Red Oak, Southern Red Oak, Swamp Red Oak, Spotted Oak
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.
Shumard oak is a powerhouse wildlife tree. Its acorns feed deer, turkey, woodpeckers, jays, and squirrels, while its canopy offers nesting sites and valuable shelter. As a host plant to hundreds of moth and butterfly species, it supports rich food webs, making it one of the most ecologically important oaks. Top Native Texas Plants to Help Keep Birds Fed Through Every Season
The oak genus includes many beloved trees, such as Live Oak, White Oak, Red Oak, Blue Oak, Bur Oak, and Pin Oak.
| 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, Shumard Oak, Southern Red 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, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Midwest, Missouri, Ohio, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Birds |
| Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
| 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, Shumard Oak, Southern Red 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, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Midwest, Missouri, Ohio, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Birds |
| Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Quercus shumardii (Shumard Oak) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Quercus shumardii (Shumard Oak) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
