Shumard oak, Swamp red oak
Quercus shumardii
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A medium to large sized tree. It grows up to 40 m high. The leaves are 12-20 cm long. There are 7-11 toothed lobes. The notches between the lobes are deep. The base is rounded. The leaves are shiny green above and paler underneath. They finally become rich red in autumn. The leaf stalks are 5-7 cm long. The acorns are large. They are 15-30 mm long. The cup is shallow and saucer shaped. It is 15-30 mm across. It is grey and slightly hairy. The cup encloses about one third of the acorn.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in lowlands and along stream banks in poorly drained heavy soils in Canada. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, nuts