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| Leaf Photo by: Steven J. Baskauf |
Bark Photo by: Steven J. Baskauf |
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| Acorn Photo by: Steven J. Baskauf |
Tree Photo by: Sean Fox |
In the past, the dried winged fruits have been used as a substitute for hops in the process of brewing beer.
Shumard Oak is at its northern limit in the Kent, Elgin and Sussex counties in southwestern Ontario. It is a large, wide-spreading tree that grows as far south as Texas and Florida. It is listed as species of Special Concern, and is protected by the Endangered Species Act, 2007.
Shumard oak can be hard to tell apart from more common pointy-toothed species. Leaves are similar in shape and size but Shumard oak typically has deeper cut lobes than either red or black oak. Mature buds are pale grayish-brown and appear waxed, though red and black oaks are usually reddish-brown and hairless. Large acorns, up to 3 cm long can be distinctly striped with brown and black lines.
Shumard oak is best remembered as a large oak species capable of growing on heavy, moist sites. Like pin oak, it may prove itself more drought tolerant in the future.
Size: Up to 40 m tall
Moisture: Prefers moist soils
Shade: Prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade
Soil: Prefers heavier soils but adaptable to loamy soils
Planting Tip: If you are interested in planting Shumard oak as part of the Recovery Strategy, contact your local Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk biologist. More tips...
