Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii, commonly called Shumard oak, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of the red oak group. Pyramidal in youth but spreads to a broad open crown with age. Typically, it grows moderately fast to a height of 40-60' (to 100' in the wild). Shiny, dark green leaves (6-8" long) with deep, spiny lobes (usually 7-9 lobes). Fall color appears late but is often a respectable brownish red. As the leaves emerge, insignificant flowers in separate male and female catkins appear in early spring. Fruits are acorns that are usually not produced until the tree has reached the age of 25 years.