Shumard Oak

Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii

Shumard oak occurs throughout the Great Plains, east and south to the Atlantic and Gulf Coastlines, and north into Ontario. It is highly valued for its high survival rates and steady growth, while in the Great Plains in particular it has great heat tolerance and fire resistance. It is also one of the few "distinguished autumn color" trees which is quite uncommon of trees in areas such as Texas. As sturdy trees, they have a long lifespan living at the least 480 years. One of the main concerns for this and other species of oak especially in Texas is a fungal disease known as Oak Wilt where the fungus prevents water uptake. As with other oaks, the Shumard oak does produce acorns which a variety of animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and deer love the eat. The white-tailed deer also prefer this oak as browse in some parts of Texas. Once the tannins are leeched out, acorns are considered edible for human consumption. The Native Americans often used acorns to make flour, the process of which leeched out the bitter tannins making it safe.

One reason I love this particular photo besides making the Shumard oak stand out, is the extremely rare sight of measurable snow in this part of Texas.