Campus Tree Tour
Fagaceae – Beech Family
In 2024, the Shumard oak planted on the Reitz Lawn measured 56 feet tall and had a diameter of 30 inches. Based on USDA Forest Service models, it will absorb approximately 2,815 lbs. of carbon over the next 20 years. This tree will offset up to 11,390 car miles worth of carbon dioxide.
In 2024, the Shumard oak planted near the Newins Ziegler Building measured 67.2 feet tall with a diameter of 28 inches. Based on USDA Forest Service models, it will absorb approximately 2,7545 lbs. of carbon, or 11,147 car miles worth of carbon dioxide, over the next 20 years.
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Introduction
The Shumard oak is one of the largest red oaks within the Southeastern United States. It is a moderately fast-growing species with a long-life span, making it an ideal urban species. Its tight, greyish brown bark resembles its red oak relatives while its dark green leaves have distinctive lobing and pointed tips. In autumn, the oak’s canopy displays red and orange leaves that litter the ground with color.
Physical Description
Life expectancy: Up to 480 years
Height: 55 – 80 feet, up to 120 feet
Crown: 40 – 50 feet
Diameter: Up to 80 inches
Bark: Grey, smooth, and tight that becomes darker and develops ridges and fissures as it matures.
Leaves: Deciduous, simple, and alternately arranged upon the twig. It has 5-9 lobes with pointed tips and round, smooth edges between lobes. Above is a glossy, dark green while underneath is light green with small tufts of pubescence (hairs) where the veins split from the midrib (called axillary hairs).
Twigs: Brown with a cluster of buds at the terminal end, a distinguishing characteristic of oaks.
Flowers: Yellow-green catkins (male flowers) and small spike flowers (female) are produced in the spring.
Fruits: Brown, egg-shaped acorns (0.5 to 1 inch) with a shallow, scaley cap that matures in the fall.
Key Identification Characteristics: bark, lobed leaves, leaves with axillary hairs, terminal buds
Past and Present Uses
The Shumard oak was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin Shumard (1820-1869), a medical doctor and the state geologist of Texas during the 19th century. Traditionally, indigenous people may have used the oak’s acorns to make flour, soups, and coffee substitutes.
The Shumard oak is a valuable timber species. The oak’s hard, strong, and heavy wood can be used for veneer, cabinetry, furniture, flooring, and interior trim. Its adaptability to urban environments makes it a popular choice for street plantings, providing shade in the summer and fall colors in autumn.
Ecological Importance
Origin: Native to the United States
Native Range: Found in the Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Illinois (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Native range of Shumard Oak. Photo credit: U.S. Geological Survey
The Shumard oak is found in humid climates in hammock habitats of the coastal plain. It grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soils found on terraces and sites near streams. The oak is commonly associated with other hardwood species such as green and white ash, hickories, southern red oak, American elm, and southern magnolia.
The acorns of Shumard oak, produced every 2 to 4 years, are a popular food source for mammals and birds. Often, insects such as tent caterpillars and lace bugs also nest on and feed upon the oak.
More Information
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST561
References
Edwards, M. B. (n.d.). Shumard Oak. Quercus shumardii Buckl. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/quercus/shumardii.htm
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R., & McLean, D. C. (2019b). Enh-719/ST561: Quercus shumardii: Shumard Oak. Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST561
i-Tree. (2006). Tree tools - calculate the benefits of trees!. i-Tree. https://www.itreetools.org/
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.-b). Quercus shumardii. Plant Database. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=qush
Sullivan, J. (1993). Quercus shumardii. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/queshu/all.html#12
Texas A&M Forest Service. (n.d.). Trees of Texas. http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/TreeDetails/?id=106