Shumard Oak

Common Names

Spotted Oak
Schneck Oak
Shumard Red Oak
Swamp Red Oak

Scientific Names

Quercus shumardii
Fagaceae family

Basic Landscape Attributes

Height Range:

50-115 ft. height

Fall Colors:

Dark green foliage, Leaves turn brilliant red to red-orange in fall

Width Range:

40-60 ft. spread

Flower Type:

Greenish-brown catkins

Shape:

Medium growth rate

History of
the Tree Species

Named after Benjamin Franklin Shumard (1820-1869), physician and geologist.
Introduced in 1907.

Basic Growing Conditions

Full sun
Grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy and well-drained soils.
Prefers normal moisture
Some drought tolerance

Scientific Facts

Like other oaks, acorns are bitter but edible after tannins removed
Galls produced on the tree are strongly astringent and can be used in the treatment of hemorrhages, diarrhea, dysentery

Location on tree on Shelby Ave:

The Shelby Avenue Arboretum is a community-grown project led by Nashville Tree Conservation Corps and is in partnership with NTCC and Metro Nashville.