treeN. America Native

Shumard Oak

Name: Shumard Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus shumardii

$104.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

100+ years

Native To

Southeastern and South-Central United States

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses and cattle if eaten in large amounts.

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, handsome deciduous tree of the red oak group, native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its relatively fast growth rate, adaptability, and beautiful, deeply lobed leaves. Shumard Oak is prized for its reliable and spectacular fall color, which ranges from brilliant russet-red to deep red. It is also more tolerant of alkaline soils than many other red oaks, making it a versatile landscape choice.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Shumard Oak is a classic, handsome shade tree. Its deeply cut, glossy green leaves create a refined texture, and its transformation to brilliant red in the fall makes it a landscape standout. The open, spreading crown is majestic at maturity.

Its relatively fast growth rate provides shade more quickly than many other oak species. Its adaptability to various soil types, including some clays and higher pH soils, makes it a reliable choice for urban and suburban landscapes.

Like all oaks, it is a powerhouse for wildlife. It hosts numerous insect species, including butterfly and moth larvae, which are food for birds. The large acorns are a valuable food source for deer, squirrels, turkeys, and other wildlife.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball.
Ensure the hole is only as deep as the root ball.
Place the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with the native soil, watering gently to settle.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Though adaptable, providing deep, occasional watering during summer droughts will encourage faster growth and better overall health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and consistently for the first two growing seasons.
Perform corrective pruning when young to establish a strong structure.
Allow ample space for its large mature size.

Don't

Never prune during the growing season (April-October) to avoid oak wilt risk.
Do not plant in poorly drained, constantly waterlogged sites.
Avoid wounding the trunk with lawnmowers or string trimmers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent fast-growing shade tree for large lawnsDurable and attractive street or park treeStately specimen with brilliant fall foliage

Companion Plants

Aesculus pavia Ilex vomitoria Chionanthus virginicus Muhlenbergia capillaris Callicarpa americana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shumard Oak questions

What zones can Shumard Oak grow in?

Shumard Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shumard Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Shumard Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shumard Oak bloom?

Shumard Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shumard Oak need full sun?

Shumard Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Shumard Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shumard Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.