Native Plant of the Month: Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii

The Shumard Oak is a deciduous red oak that grows to 70’ tall. The bark is smooth and grayish when young and becomes furrowed and darker gray as it ages. When this tree is young, it is pyramidal in shape and becomes more rounded as it ages. It is a relatively fast-growing and adaptable oak and provides beautiful fall foliage color. It begins producing acorns when it is about 25 years old. The Shumard oak loves sun and part shade with dry to moist soil conditions. This species is drought resistant and also withstands short-term flooding. This tree received its name in honor of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Shumard who lived from 1820 to 1869 and worked as a medical doctor, geologist, and paleontologist in Texas.  

The Shumard oak supports a wide variety of Lepidopterans: Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Edward's Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album), Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius), Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis).

The Shumard Oak is easily propagated by its acorns. Plant when the acorns are fresh. The acorns are edible to humans once the tannins have been leached out by boiling. 

Valuable Resources for Tree Lovers

Leaf Key to Common Trees of Louisiana was written by the LSU AgCenter and is a valuable and effective resource for identifying trees. This is a dichotomous key which guides you through the process of identifying Louisiana trees. 

The Selection, Planting and Care of Urban Trees  was written by the LSU AgCenter and is a great guide for selecting and planting Louisiana trees. 

Louisiana State Arboretum, which is located near Ville Platte, Louisiana, is an extraordinary resource for tree lovers. Plan your visit soon!

by Louise Prejean