Shumard's Scarlet Oak

Quercus shumardii

$25.00
USDA Zones 5–9 Full Sun Matures 50–75 Feet
Size: 1 Gallon

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.
The Full Story

There is a small drama in this oak's name. It honors Benjamin Franklin Shumard, a physician turned geologist who became the first State Geologist of Texas and who, decades before the oil boom, noted petroleum seeping up at several spots across the state. The man who named the tree for him in 1860 was his own assistant, Samuel Buckley, who would later turn on Shumard in print, call him incompetent, and take the state geologist's post for himself, all of which makes the enduring courtesy of the name faintly delicious. The tree has outlasted the quarrel. Quercus shumardii belongs to the red oak group, with the deeply lobed, bristle-tipped leaves to prove it and a fall color that runs from russet through red to deep scarlet, arriving late and holding well. What sets him apart is his temperament. He came up out of the river bottoms but has proven almost indifferent to where you put him, shrugging off heavy clay, drought, road salt, and city air, and thriving in alkaline, limestone-laced ground where pin oaks yellow and sulk. He grows faster than the white oaks into a broad and dignified canopy that clears sixty feet and keeps going. For a tree this adaptable, and one feeding the hundreds of moth and butterfly species an oak supports, he is far less common in the trade than he deserves. He is the oak to reach for when you want red oak color and a tree that will forgive you almost anything.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Size: 1 Gallon
Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained, Moist
Mature size
Height 50–75 Feet · Spread 40–50 Feet
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Deciduous
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Flowers
Inconspicuous and wind-pollinated, like every oak. Monoecious, both sexes on the same tree. Yellow-green male catkins dangle in loose clusters as the leaves emerge in mid to late spring; the female flowers are minute and reddish, hidden in the leaf axils. No fragrance, no display, and none wanted from an oak.

Foliage
Large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves, four to eight inches long, with five to nine sharply pointed lobes and the bristle tips that mark a red oak. Dark green through summer, emerging with a reddish cast in spring, and finishing the year in red, russet, and orange. The turn comes notably late, sometimes not until December in the lower South.

Acorns
Substantial, three-quarters to an inch and a quarter long, oval, seated in a shallow, thick, saucer-like cap. They ripen over two seasons and feed deer, turkeys, squirrels, and jays. A mature tree in a good year is a wildlife pantry.

Care

Read our full care guide

Sunlight Requirements

Shumard oak thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It grows best in open areas with good air circulation and plenty of light exposure.

Soil Preferences

  • Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
  • Prefers moist, well-draining soil but can tolerate occasional wet conditions.
  • pH range: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0), though it can tolerate alkaline soils.

Watering Needs

  • Young trees require consistent watering during the first few years to establish strong roots.
  • Once mature, it becomes drought-tolerant, though occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells enhances growth.
  • Avoid standing water or excessively compacted soils that retain too much moisture.

Temperature & Hardiness

  • Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9.
  • Tolerates hot summers and mild winters, making it well-suited for the southeastern and central U.S..

Fertilization

  • Not required for trees growing in fertile soil.
  • If growth appears slow or leaves look pale, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.

Pruning

  • Requires minimal pruning, mostly to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
  • Best pruned in late winter to early spring, before new growth emerges.
  • Has a strong, upright branching structure that generally resists storm damage.

Growth Rate & Mature Size

  • Fast-growing, adding 2–3 feet per year under optimal conditions.
  • Can reach 50–75 feet in height with a 40–50 foot spread at maturity.
  • Develops a broad, rounded canopy, making it an excellent shade tree.

Pest & Disease Resistance

  • Generally pest-resistant, though it may occasionally be affected by:
  • Proper site selection and care help minimize disease risks.

Mulching

  • Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
  • Helps retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Wildlife & Landscape Uses

  • Excellent shade tree for urban and residential landscapes.
  • Acorns provide an important food source for wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
  • Tolerant of urban conditions, making it a good choice for streetscapes and large yards.
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Also found in
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.