Shumard oak - Quercus shumardii

Shumard oak is a deciduous medium-to-large tree, which grows up to 40 m tall. This tree occurs in a few locations in southern Ontario, north of Lake Erie. This oak species is often identified by broad, glossy leave, its smooth bark, large buds, and large acorns with shallow cups. The Shumard oak likes to settle along lowlands, streams and on poorly drained soils.

Acorns of the shumard oak are quite large, measuring 15-30 mm long, they are also grey and hairy. Photo by Chris Earley.

Shumard oak, which resembles black oak, thrives where the soils are heavy and have been poorly drained. Their leaves turn a brilliant red in autumn. Photo by Chris Earley.

Bark of the shumard oak is dark grey and deeply furrowed. Photo by Chris Earley.

Shumard oak leaves are 12-20 cm long with 7-11 toothed lobes. Leaves are dark and shiny green above and paler on their underside. They become red in autumn and are one of the last oaks to turn. Photo by Chris Earley.

Ontario Tree Atlas map of non-planted Shumard Oak. 1995-1999.

Return to tree listing page [1]

References

Farrar, J.L.. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. Toronto. ON. 504 pp.  

Kershaw, L. 2001. Trees in Ontario: Including tall shrubs. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton. AB. 240 pp

Muma, W. 2011. Ontario Trees and Shrubs. [Online] Available: www.ontariotrees.com

OMNR, 2011. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Ontario Tree Atlas. [Online] Available: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/ClimateChange/2ColumnSubPage/267027.html

OMNR, 2008. Ontario’s Biodiversity: Species at Risk.