Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii
Fagaceae
Grows primarily in western half of Ohio on alluvial soils. Tolerates urban stress and range of soil conditions. Acorn production during mast years can be messy to maintain. Oak wilt in the region is spreading and is of special concern when considering planting this species.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
NA
Wildlife Benefits
Acorns food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host; cavity nesting site; bat roosting site; insect host, attracts woodpeckers
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
477
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Slow: 1 ft or less per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Dry - Moist: Soil can be dry for periods of time and can retain little moisture for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Oak wilt
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Absent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Absent
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Green
White
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Not Native to NE Ohio
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern