Shumard Oak

The Shumard Oak is one of the larger oak trees in North America. In 1983, a 99-foot specimen was recorded in Montgomery County. In 1959, an 80-foot example of this tree in Columbus (Franklin County) was registered with the Ohio Forestry Association. Although not remarkable in height, that tree measured 99 feet in crown spread, almost the width of two ordinary building lots. The Shumard Oak grows well on moist, well-drained bottomland soils. This includes flood plains along streams. One author reports that it also is found on dry ridges and limestone hills. Distribution of the Shumard Oak extends from Maryland and Virginia through the lower parts of the South to Texas and Oklahoma, and up the Mississippi/Ohio valleys to Kansas, Indiana and southern Michigan. In Ohio its distribution is limited to a few western and southwestern counties, with Franklin County marking eastern limit in the state. In the lumber business wood of the Shumard Oak usually is sold as Red Oak. It is used in furniture manufacture, general construction, and interior finish.