Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 12: 444 (1860 publ. 1861))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Buckley

Bibliography: Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 12: 444 (1860 publ. 1861)

Year: 1861

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Ontario to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Shumard oak, scientifically known as Quercus shumardii, is a significant member of the Fagaceae family. This majestic tree was first introduced to academia by Buckley in a notable publication from the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia in 1860, which was subsequently published in 1861.

Native to South Ontario and extensively found throughout Central and Eastern regions of the United States, the Shumard oak plays a crucial role in the ecosystems of these areas. The tree is renowned for its robustness and adaptability, making it prevalent in a variety of habitats including bottomlands, floodplains, and well-drained upland soils. Its geographic spread is a testament to its resilience and ecological importance.

The Shumard oak grows to impressive heights, often reaching up to 100 feet, with a broad, open crown that provides substantial shade. Its leaves are deeply lobed and dark green, transforming into a vibrant red hue in the fall, adding stunning seasonal color to the landscapes it inhabits. This deciduous tree produces acorns that are a vital food source for wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and various bird species.

The bark of the Shumard oak is gray and smooth on young trees, becoming darker and more ridged as it matures. This characteristic bark not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also provides a habitat for various organisms, contributing to the tree’s ecological value.

Cultivated for both ornamental and practical purposes, the Shumard oak is often planted in parks, large gardens, and along streets for its beauty, shade, and hardiness. Its timber is highly valued, used in furniture making and construction due to its strength and durability.

In conclusion, Quercus shumardii is a remarkable species, renowned for its beauty, ecological significance, and utility. Its widespread presence from South Ontario to Central and Eastern USA underscores its adaptability and importance in natural and urban environments alike.

Common Names

Eng: shumard oak, shumard red oak, shumard’s oak, southern red oak, spotted oak, swamp red oak, schneck’s oak
Fra: chêne de shumard
En: Shumard oak, Shumard red oak, Spotted oak, Swamp red oak, Southern red oak, Shumard’s oak, Schneck’s oak
Fr: Chêne de Shumard

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Joe Cannon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Stéphane GUILLOU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Joe Cannon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Stéphane GUILLOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Stéphane GUILLOU (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2878289)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284115-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus shumardii Buckley)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.6

Ph minimum: 5.0