Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Shumard Oak is a large deciduous tree native to eastern and central United States, blooming March through May. This adaptable oak species supports butterfly pollinators and thrives in various moisture conditions.
Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Shumard Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–1440" H × 600"–720" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 20 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Shumard Oak is a large, stately native Texas tree that provides excellent shade and beautiful fall color. This deciduous oak grows 30-120 feet tall with a broad, rounded canopy that makes it perfect for larger landscapes. It's drought tolerant once established and supports diverse wildlife throughout the seasons.
Growing Shumard Oak
Grow Shumard Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 1440 inches tall and spread 600 to 720 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Shumard Oak takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
This oak supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillars feed on the leaves. The acorns provide important food for squirrels, deer, and many bird species.
Common questions
- Where is Shumard Oak naturally found?
- Shumard Oak is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including states from Texas and Florida north to Michigan and New York, extending west to Kansas and Nebraska.
- When does Shumard Oak bloom?
- Shumard Oak produces flowers from March through May, typically before the leaves fully emerge in spring.
- What pollinators visit Shumard Oak?
- Butterflies are among the pollinators that visit Shumard Oak flowers, though like other oaks it is primarily wind-pollinated.
- What growing conditions does Shumard Oak prefer?
- Shumard Oak grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun, and adapts to a wide range of soil moisture conditions from wet to dry sites.
- Is Shumard Oak toxic to dogs?
- Shumard Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Shumard Oak toxic to cats?
- Shumard Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Shumard Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Shumard Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Shumard Oak HOA-friendly?
- Shumard Oak takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Shumard Oak fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.