Shumard Oak
Arbor walk #103
Also named Swamp Red Oak, this tree species is a large, deciduous plant native to Southern Illinois.
| Name | Shumard Oak |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Quercus shumardii |
| Type | Native |
| Diameter | 7″ caliper |
| Color of Leaf | Shiny, dark green, brownish-red in fall |
| Shape of Leaf | Simple, deep, spiny lobed (7-9 lobes), 6-8″ long |
| Color of Flower | Yellow – green |
| Shape of Flower | Insignificant separate male and female catkins |
| Fruit Characteristics | Acorns |
| Bark Characteristics | Gray and broken into broad plates and fissured |
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
The Shumard Oak is within the Fagaceae family and is well-suited to urban areas due to its resistance to wet and dry sites, alkaline soil, air pollution, and road salts. Every 2-4 years, the tree produces one-inch acorns that are popular among deer and squirrel diets. Able to live up to 200 years, its leaves are medium to dark green and turn a brownish-red in late fall. Despite its longevity, this tree is susceptible to several diseases and pests, including leaf spotting, blight and mites.