Features: Old specimens of Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) can be 40 metres tall with massive branches. The leaves are shiny and have deep lobes, and this feature helps distinguish the species from the similar-looking Red Oak. Trees hold their leaves longer into the fall than other oaks. Shumard Oak prefers to grow in moist soils, and can grow close to water and in swampy areas.

Status: Special Concern Provincially and Nationally

Range: Primarily found in southcentral United States, from Indiana and Ohio west to Texas, and south to the Gulf coast and northern Florida. In Ontario, it grows in Essex, Kent and Elgin counties in the south-western part of the province. Range Maps

Threats: Shumard Oak is at the northern limit of its' range here and it was likely never common along the shores of Lake Erie. It may have declined because of forest clearance.

Protection: There are several stands of Shumard Oak in conservation areas where they receive some protection.

Text Sources: Waldron 1983; Waldron 1997

Last Modified Date: February 2005