Oak, Shumard, Bare Root

Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) 

Shumard Oak is a fast-growing, adaptable native red oak valued for its striking red fall color, strong wood, and high wildlife value. Naturally found in bottomlands and upland ridges across the central and southeastern U.S., it tolerates a wide range of soil conditions—from seasonally wet to dry and compacted. Its large acorns feed wildlife, while its stature makes it a long-term overstory anchor in silvopasture systems, reforestation plantings, and native food forests.

Key Characteristics

• Heavy Acorn Producer for Wildlife
  Shumard Oak produces large, high-energy acorns that mature in two seasons. They are a critical food source for deer, turkeys, squirrels, ducks, and other wildlife. Acorns often drop in late fall, helping wildlife prepare for winter.
• Supports Hundreds of Insect Species
  As a native oak, Shumard supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths, including the Polyphemus moth, Red-spotted purple, and Horace’s duskywing. These insects feed nesting songbirds and promote biodiversity throughout the growing season.
• Adaptable to Wet and Dry Conditions
  Although it prefers bottomland soils, Shumard Oak is tolerant of drought, clay, compacted urban soils, and seasonal flooding. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for restoration plantings and working landscapes with challenging conditions.
• Fast Growth and Brilliant Fall Foliage
  Shumard Oak can grow 2–3 feet per year when young, reaching canopy height quickly in reforestation and agroforestry systems. Its deeply lobed leaves turn vibrant shades of scarlet and red-orange in autumn.
• Ideal for Silvopasture, Restoration, and Urban Plantings
  Its combination of durability, beauty, and wildlife value makes Shumard Oak well-suited for silvopasture design, streamside buffers, city plantings, and as a fast-growing shade tree in large-scale regenerative systems.

Product Details

• Native Range: Central and Southeastern U.S.
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous tree
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium-dry to medium-wet
• Mature Height: 60–90 feet
• Bloom Time: April–May
• Bloom Color: Yellow-green (catkins)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Shumard Oak is a resilient, high-value native tree offering fast growth, wildlife support, and brilliant fall color. A strong addition to silvopasture systems, native reforestation projects, and food forest canopies.