Quercus shumardii , unremarkably pertain to as the Shumard Oak , is a species within theQuercusgenus of the Fagaceae family . It is part of the red oak group , characterize by leaves with pointed , bristle - tipped lobes and acorns that mature over two class . The coinage name “ shumardii ” honors Benjamin Franklin Shumard , a 19th - century geologist who contributed to the understanding of this tree .

The Shumard Oak is indigenous to the southeasterly and south - fundamental United States . Its raw reach extends from North Carolina , south to northern Florida , and due west to central Texas , with its distribution also covering part of Mississippi , Alabama , Georgia , and Louisiana . It extends northward through the Mississippi River Valley into Missouri , Illinois , Indiana , Ohio , Kentucky , Tennessee , and Oklahoma , and is also found in Maryland , Pennsylvania , southerly Michigan , and the extreme south of Ontario , Canada . This oak tree prefer habitats like floodplain , riverside , and bottomland forests , where it can handle periodic flooding .

Historically , Quercus shumardiihas been valued for its timber , which is strong and like to other red oak , making it suitable for furniture , flooring , and cabinetwork . Indigenous peoples used its acorns as a food germ , aiding in the tree ’s natural dispersal . name after Benjamin Franklin Shumard , who documented the coinage , it has become more and more popular for ornamental planting due to its vivacious capitulation foliage and adaptability to various soil conditions . Its resiliency in urban environments , combined with its aesthetic appeal , has made it a favored species for parks , street , and turgid landscape .

Shumard Oak flourish in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9 . This broad reach think over its ability to mature in climates from the relatively cool parting of the Midwest and Northeast to the quick , humid weather condition of the Southeast . It ’s well - suited to areas where the soil is well - run out but can also handle some level of flooding , making it various for both natural ecosystems and urban landscape where soil moisture can be variable . Its function in landscape gardening is enhanced by its fast maturation rate and the bionomic benefit it provides , admit home ground founding and grunge stabilization .

The range ofQuercus shumardii , or Shumard Oak , brace across the southeastern and south - primal United States . It extends from North Carolina to the south to northern Florida , westwards through Alabama , Mississippi , Louisiana , and into central Texas . Its distribution also reaches north through the Mississippi River Valley , covering Missouri , Illinois , Indiana , Ohio , Kentucky , Tennessee , and Oklahoma . to boot , it is found in Maryland , Pennsylvania , southerly Michigan , and in the extreme due south of Ontario , Canada . This species is ordinarily launch in lowland habitats like flood plain , riverbanks , and bottom forests where it can tolerate occasional flooding .

Shumard Oak ( Quercus shumardii ): Characteristics

Growth Habit

Quercus shumardiiexhibits an just , fairly pyramidal development habit when young , which maturate into a broad , rounded crest with old age . In overt landscape , it develop a more spreading form , but in forest setting , it can maintain a tall , narrower silhouette . This development habit makes it suitable for both urban and rural configurations , offer a stately mien .

size of it

Shumard Oaks can grow to considerable superlative , hand 40 to 60 groundwork , with some trees in idealistic consideration growing up to 100 substructure . The spread of the tree can be almost as wide , providing ample tad reportage .

Growth pace

This coinage is known for a restrained to fast growth rate among oak , often arise 1 to 2 feet per twelvemonth when young . This pace makes it an attractive option for those looking for quicker suppuration in landscape options .

leaf

The leaves are round-eyed , alternating , and deeply lobed with 5 to 9 astute , pointed lobe , each ending in a bristle hint . They quantify 4 to 7 inches in duration , with a calendered , dark green upper surface and a lighter , often slightly hirsute undersurface . In autumn , Shumard Oak leaves turn a brilliant crimson , sometimes sundry with shades of Burgundy wine or orange , making it one of the more visually appealing oak during the crepuscle .

Lifespan

Shumard Oaks can live for 200 to 300 years , demonstrating good longevity which is beneficial for long - term landscape planning .

Bark

Young Tree have fluid , grey-haired barque which becomes deeply furrowed and develops into thick , dark grey or almost black-market rooftree with years , providing a rugged grain and habitat for various species .

antecedent

The root scheme includes a taproot when young for anchorage ground , transitioning to a wide - spread internet of sidelong roots as the tree diagram matures . These root help in stabilizing the tree diagram on wide-ranging terrains , including those prostrate to flooding , but can also be belligerent in urban configurations , potentially impacting sidewalks or foundation if not given sufficient distance .

Additional Characteristics

Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii): Cultivation

Site Selection

prefer a site with full sun for optimal outgrowth , though Shumard Oak can tolerate partial shade , especially when youthful . It prefers deep , well - drain soils but is notably adaptable to a range of soil eccentric , from flaxen to mud , and can handle both periodic flooding and drouth once launch . The tree ’s mature size should be count to ensure there ’s sizable blank for its spreading and root system .

implant

Watering

urine deeply after planting to settle the soil around the roots . Young Shumard Oaks call for steady watering to establish , peculiarly during wry spells , but once established , they are drouth - repellent . However , consistent moisture in the first few years can promote best growth . subjugate lacrimation in the fall to prepare the tree for dormancy .

mulch

hold a 2 - 3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to keep up soil wet , suppress weeds , and regulate soil temperature . Keep mulch away from the luggage compartment to prevent moisture collection that could extend to molder .

Fertilization

Shumard oak tree generally do n’t need frequent fertilization if found in good grease . If soil tests paint a picture nutritious want , utilise a balanced , slow - sacking fertilizer in former spring . forefend high - nitrogen fertilizer that encourage excessive folio maturation over root development .

Pruning :

Pest and Disease Management

Shumard Oak can be susceptible to oak wilting , particularly in regions where this disease is prevalent . supervise for signs like wilted leaves or fungal mats and manage through right pruning practices or fungicide treatments if necessary . Other potential pests include borer or scale of measurement worm , manage through integrated blighter management , preferring biological control when potential .

Long - term Care