Shumard oak

Quercus shumardii

Family: FagaceaeZones: 5a to 9b per NC State; USDA 5B to 9B per UF/IFAS

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

fruits (acorns), leaves

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

gastrointestinal, frequent urination, discolored urine, jaundice, depression; acorns can obstruct the digestive tract (NC State)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

NC State flags Shumard oak as a problem for horses and lists fruits (acorns) and leaves as poisonous parts with low poison severity. Reported signs include abdominal pain, constipation then diarrhea, depression, frequent urination, discolored urine and jaundice. NC State says acorns can block the digestive tract.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a to 9b per NC State; USDA 5B to 9B per UF/IFAS.
Light: Full sun.
Water needs: low
Mature size: UF/IFAS: 55 to 80 ft tall (17 to 24 m) and 40 to 50 ft wide (12 to 15 m). NC State: 50 to 70 ft tall (15 to 21 m) and 30 to 40 ft wide (9 to 12 m).
Where it comes from: Southeastern United States and adjacent states to the west and northwest per UF/IFAS; NC State lists eastern Canada (Ontario) and the southeastern US.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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Anatomy & Guilds

Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics

How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.

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Field Doctor

What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.

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Vintage Plates

Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.

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Sources

How we choose sources

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