Shumard Oak

(Swamp Red Oak)

Quercus Shumardii

A large, attractive shade tree native to central USA with a few natural occurring stands in southern Ontario. A less cold hardy oak but will grow in zone 5b. Leaves are similar to Northern Red Oak but with deeper sinuses. Attractive shiny, dark-green, bristle-tipped, lobed leaves that turn red in fall. Fall acorns provide valuable food for local wildlife. Trees have both male and female flowers on the same tree and are wind pollinated. Yields better seed crops when more than one tree is present through cross pollination. Can produce hybrid seeds if planted near other oak species from red oak group. Prune in late winter or early spring to avoid transmission of pathogens.