The Shumard Oak is a native large deciduous tree in the red oak group in the beech family. It is an attractive tree with a pyramidal shape when young and a more open rounded crown at maturity. The trees can reach 70 feet in height and 40 feet wide. It is tolerant of urban conditions like drought, dry soil, and air pollution. Shumard Oak is relatively fast-growing, adaptable and drought tolerant but also tolerates short-term flooding and wind. The lobed leaves often have nice red fall color.

These acorns are from a younger Shumard Oak, about 25 feet tall. This is the 2nd time it has dropped acorns. The seeds were placed in cold storage outside without light or moisture.

USDA Zones: Hardy in 5b-9b

Germination Test: Winterized a few and forgot about them outside in a pot. Several are coming up and many are coming up naturally in the grass.

GERMINATION: These will require a period of cold stratification before they will germinate!

1. Soak in water for 24 hours.

2. These seeds require a 2-3 month COLD STRATIFICATION (35-41F). To stratify the seeds, recommend placing them in a plastic bag with a mix of sand and peat moss and lightly moisten and place in refrigerator. The acorns should stay damp but not overly wet. Check often for mold or rot. You can sprinkle cinnamon lightly in the plastic bag as this helps prevent mold. Also, poke a few holes in the bag to allow for air exchange. Remove and treat with a fungicide if mold develops.

3. When stratification is done (when rooting has broken through), plant acorns in a moist potting mix in a deep pot.

4. Soil should be acidic to slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5) for best growth. They can tolerate slightly alkaline soils. Prefers moist to wet soils and full sun when fully established.