Shumard Oak

Description:

The beautiful intricate leaves of the Shumard Oak alternate in whirls along the branches. They have 7-9 bristle-tipped lobes that broaden towards the tip. Leaf shape can vary throughout the tree but in general they are broad and have lobes that are often off-center from one another. The upper surface is a shiny dark green and the lower surface is dull green with hair tufts along the center vein. The veins are raised on both sides of the leaf. It's bark varies from gray to brown with long narrow plates and shallow furrows. Silver streaking may occur in the upper branches. The bark on young trees can be very reflective. It produces a long, narrow catkin 14-18 cm long.

Habitat:

Mesic woods, hammocks, riverbanks and other areas near water.

Notes:

Florida native tree. Shumard Oak is also called southern red oak or swamp oak. It's acorns are eaten by birds and mammals. It's wood has commercial value for flooring and furniture.