Shumard oak

Scientific name: Quercus shumardii

Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)

Shumard oak occurs sporadically in the western half of Ohio, often growing in ravines, upper floodplains, and along streams. Its small acorns are consumed by wildlife such as squirrels and deer. Shumard oak is an excellent urban shade tree due to its adaptability, rapid growth, tolerance of air pollution, and compacted soil. This native tree prefers moist, well-drained deep soils of variable pH and full to partial sun but can tolerate very dry and alkaline soils. Other than minor cosmetic blemishes on foliage due to insect feeding, Shumard oak is basically problem-free.

Identification

LEAF: Alternate, simple, 4-7 inches long, broadly ovate, and shiny with seven to nine lobes with coarse bristle tips and sinuses that are normally deep. Fall color ranges from russet to orange-red in good years.

TWIGS AND BUDS: Olive-green, stout twigs terminate in a cluster of light-colored, smooth, or slightly fuzzy buds.

FRUIT OR SEED: Acorns are single or paired, ¾ to 1¼ inches long, oblong, and ovoid. The top of the acorn is covered with a shallow, bowl-shaped, scaly cap.

BARK: Immature bark is light gray, smooth, and reflective in the winter sun. Mature bark is ridged, furrowed, and dark gray in color.

SHAPE: Pyramidal and spreading.

MATURE HEIGHT: 60-90 feet.

Photo credits (in order of appearance): ©Mary PK Burns, 1 (CC BY-NC), ©Bruce Kirchoff, 1, 2, 3, 4 (CC BY 2.0)