Common names: Shumards oak, southern red oak, Shumard oak, Schneck oak, Shumard red oak, spotted oak, red oak

Scientific names: Quercus shumardii (Q. schneckii)

Seasons of significant use: spring, summer, fall, winter (for Quercus spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial tree to 122.0 feet. Bark gray-black, smooth or broken into small tight interlacing ridges; leaves deciduous, alternate, simple, usually with 5-9 bristle tipped lobes, lobes usually separated by broad sinuses extending 50% of the way or more to the midrib; plants monoecious; inflorescences are catkins; fruit is a 1-seeded nut called an acorn, solitary or paired, cup enclosing 25-33% of the nut, maturing second year in the fall. Flowers April.

Plant community type: Generally in bottomlands, but occasionally on upland sites.

Comments: One of the "climax" species of bottomland hardwood forests in this region.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family