(Quercus shumardii )
The Beech Family (Fagaceae)
Tall tree with broad, open crown; alternate, deciduous, shiny dark green leaves with 5 -9 bristled lobes; and reddish-gray bark either smooth or with small ridges.
Habitat:
Moist, upland forests and stream banks.
Interesting Facts:
Less common local red oak, also called Spotted or Leopard Oak because fallen leaves often have dark spots. Acorns are edible but have high tannin content. Tannins from multiple tree parts have been used for leather tanning and an astringent. Host to Horace’s Duskywing Butterfly.
Fruit:
Single or paired egg-shaped acorn .75 - 1.5 " long with a shallow, bowl-shaped, scaly cap covering less than one- third of acorn.
Flower:
Male: long, light green clustered catkin: Female: single or paired on short stalk, appearing with the leaves.
Wildlife value:
Birds and mammals eat acorns and insects that are attracted to it; provides nesting sites and cover.
Leopard Spots
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 4.00-8.00 inches
Tree height: 80.00-100.00 feet
Where to find Shumard Oak on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
PAW - Pawpaw Loop Trail 8.0
TER - Walker Terrace 4.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.