Red Oak
Red Oak is a general term for a variety of species. True sizes vary greatly depending on species, location, and hybridization.
Shumard Oak Overview
Scientific Name: Quercus shumardii
Common Names: Shumard Oak, Red Oak
Native to: Eastern United States, particularly in the central and southern regions, including Texas
Lighting Requirements: Full sun
Height: 40–60 feet (larger if conditions are optimal)
Width: 30–40 feet (larger if conditions are optimal)
Winter Look: Deciduous; loses leaves in fall, leaving smooth, grayish-brown bark
Seasonal Interest: Bright red fall foliage; acorns provide food for wildlife; attractive branching structure and canopy
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate dry conditions once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moist, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil
pH Range: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5–9
Deer Resistance: Moderate; young trees may be browsed by deer
Attracts: Birds (acorns), squirrels, wildlife
Potential Issues: Susceptible to oak wilt
Notes: Shumard Oak is a large, fast-growing tree known for its beautiful red fall color. It is native to the central and southern U.S. and is commonly found in Texas, where it is used as a shade tree and for landscaping. Its acorns are an important food source for wildlife. This oak species is highly valued for its strength, wood quality, and ornamental beauty, making it popular for urban and rural landscapes.
Related Oak Species and Varieties
Texas Red Oak (Quercus texana)
Height: 50–80 feet
Width: 50–60 feet
Notes: Native to Central and East Texas, this variety of red oak is highly heat and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for the dry, hot climate of the region. It produces dark green foliage that turns brilliant red in fall. Some say they don't perform as well in the Austin area as the other two varieties below.
Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)
Height: 40–60 feet
Width: 30–40 feet
Notes: Quercus shumardii is a medium to large-sized tree known for its vibrant red fall color. It grows well in a variety of soils but prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Shumard Oak is a strong, fast-growing tree commonly used for shade and timber production. It is widely found in the central and southern U.S., including Texas.
Buckley’s Oak (Quercus buckleyi)
Height: 20–50 feet
Width: 20–50 feet
Notes: Native to Central Texas, Quercus buckleyi is a smaller, shrubbier variety compared to Quercus texana and Quercus shumardii. This oak prefers well-drained soils and is known for its resistance to oak wilt, a disease that affects many oaks. It has deep green leaves that turn red in the fall. It’s highly drought-tolerant and is commonly found in the Texas Hill Country.
Recent Name Changes and Clarifications
Quercus texana, formerly known as Quercus nuttallii, . It is native to Central and East Texas.
Quercus buckleyi, formerly known as Q. texana (Q. texana now refers to the above Oak). Quercus buckleyi is often confused with Quercus shumardii, but they are distinctly separate species, though interfertile. Buckley's Oak is typically smaller and more likely to be multitrunked. It’s more drought-resistant and mainly native to the Texas Hill Country.
To make this even more challenging to understand, Quercus buckleyi and Quercus shumardii are hard to tell apart as they are, readily hybridize naturally and get mixed up in the trade. Another confusing factor is that many websites mix the names, use them interchangeably, or botch them altogether! This is why most people I know in the industry say Red Oak.
