(Note: this tree is one of three in the Select Tree Evaluation Program)

Common Name: Shumard Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus shumardii

Family: Fagaceae

Native Habitat: 

This Tree in Colorado: Difficulty in identifying members of the red oak group have limited demand and production of Shumard oak.  This oak has excellent potential for use throughout Colorado.  Colorado growers should begin production from acorns produced by mature trees found in the Denver area.  Selecting a western seed source is important in producing Shumard oak adapted to Colorado.The outstanding deep crimson-red fall color produced by the Shumard Oak is an excellent reason to plant this species.  Peak fall color occurs around Nevember 1st in the Fort Collins area. In other urban areas, this tree has been embraced as a hardy city species.  It is also a valuable lumber oak.

Habit: Shumard Oak is a pyramidal tree becoming more spreading, much like Scarlet Oak, at maturity.   It matures as a large shade tree and can attain a height of over 60 feet in our area. but can reach over 100' or more in nature.

Landscape Value: Shumard Oak is very tolerant to high pH soils.  In soils where northern Red Oak develops chlorosis, Shumard will perform without micronutrient deficiencies.  Chlorosis has seldom been reported in this species, even in soils with pH above 7.5.  Considered a drought tolerant species  and relatively easy to transplant.

Zones: Normally 5-9  

Size/Growth Rate:   40' to 60', medium growth rate.

Leaves: Deciduous, alternate, simple, 4" to 6" long, 3" to 4" wide, usually with 7 lobes.  Leathery, lustrous dark green leaves turn red, russet-red, or yellow-bronze in fall.

Bark: Gray and smooth, becoming gray-brown, rough, with vertical furrows.

Fruit: The acorns are fairly large at 3/4" to 1" inch in length and are enclosed 1/4 to 1/3 by the cap.

Buds: A good way to distinguish Shumard oak from other members of the red oak group is the bud color that is light brown to gray, but never red or red-brown

Information Sources:

• Tim Buchanan, City of Fort Collins Forestry Division

• Dirr, Michael Dr., "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants," 1990

• Plotnik, Arthur, "The Urban Tree Book: An Uncommon Field Guide for City and Town"

Photo Sources:

• Tim Buchanan, City of Fort Collins Forestry Division

• Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences' Online Tree Information