Quercus shumardii
Swamp Red Oak, Shumard’s Oak

Description This large, stately oak has quick growth, survives many poor growing sites and produces acorns prized by wildlife. The lustrous summer foliage and rich fall colour provide a dramatic landscape statement.
Usage Parking lot island, highway, reclamation, shade tree.
Origin Southern Ontario; central and southeastern USA
Hardiness zone 5
Size 20-40m
Form/texture Open crown, wide-spreading; large stately tree.
Growth rate Medium-, long-lived.
Leaf 7-11 toothed lobes, glossy green, then rich fall colour.
Flower May, inconspicuous.
Fruit 2-2.5 cm, plentiful, falling in October of second year, food for wildlife.
Exposure/culture Full sun.

Tolerates wide range of soil types and pH.

Inhabits low wet ground and poorly drained clay plains.
Tolerates droughty and occasionally wet soils.
Moderately difficult to transplant.
Forms buttressed trunk, so needs at least 2 metres from curbing.
Comments The species named for Benjamin Franklin Schumard (1820-1869), state geologist for Texas (Jacobson).

Very urban adaptable.

Prune to single leaders for stronger long-term structure.

Fruit may be a litter problem until tree is found by local wildlife.

Reference:
Jacobson, A.L. 1996. North American Landscape Trees. Ten Speed Press, Berkely California. 722pp.

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