Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii

zone 4b

The Shumard oak is probably the largest species in the red oak group. It can reach more than 35 m high or 40 meters in its American natural area, one meter in diameter and around 12 to 18 meters wide with a straight trunk. It is native to the Midwestern United States and extreme southern Ontario. It is also present in the center of the American east coast and towards the south of the Carolinas. It is a species with large vertical development of conical or oval shape. Its broad leaves contain 5 to 9 lobes with deep sinuses ending in numerous small points. The leaves turn reddish brown with touches of yellow in autumn but are not so spectacular in color. Its bark remains smooth and grayish in color with whitish patches for a long time before cracking. It often keeps part of its leaves in winter. The acorns of this oak species are very large. . It is a species appreciated for the value of its wood and for the shade it provides. The tree retains its leaves for a long time during autumn or even until the beginning of winter. Hardy in zone 5a-5b