Plant of the Month: November, 1998

by Russell Stevens

Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii

Characteristics: A native cool season tree of bottomland and riparian areas. Some form of this oak or a cross between this oak and black oak (Quercus velutina) can also be found on moist upland sites and limestone outcrops. Shumard oak belongs to a grouping of oak species commonly called red (or black) oaks. Black oak, southern red oak (Q. falcata) and blackjack oak (Q. marilandica) are species that belong to this group. Of the group, Shumard oak generally produces the largest acorns and has the most deeply lobed leaves.

Area of Importance: Eastern U.S.

Attributes: Shumard oak is one of the most important oak species to wildlife. Its dominance is critical for mast production in hardwood bottomland. In our area, Shumard acorns are consumed by white-tailed deer, turkey, feral hog, squirrel and other rodents, quail and many song birds. These acorns are a major wildlife food source during the fall and into the winter. Shumard oak is valuable as lumber, and is generally cut during logging operations. Unrestricted logging of this and other oak species can dramatically reduce the value of bottomland and riparian areas to wildlife.

I.D. Tip: Bark is gray to black in color with an occasional splotch of white. The bark is usually smooth but is sometimes slightly ridged. Leaves are lobed, varying in depth and number, generally seven to nine. Lower leaves are often different than upper leaves in lobe length and number. Leaf venation of this oak, like others in the red oak group, extends beyond the leaf margin, forming pin-like projections. Acorns take two years to mature, and therefore are found on previous year's growth.

Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.