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Quercus shumardii

shumard oak

A small to medium-sized, deciduous tree to 18m tall, initially pyramidal in habit but spreading to form a broad, open crown with age. Deeply-cut, glossy green leaves up to 20cm long with 7-9 lobes have conspicuous tufts of hairs in the vein axils on the undersides; leaves turn red or golden-brown in the autumn. Insignificant greenish flowers are followed in autumn by acorns, usually solitary and up to 2.5cm long

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green
Autumn Brown Gold Red Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE US

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by grafting in mid-autumn or late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus

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