One of our largest trees, Shumard Oak is fairly common in bottomland forests.

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

The similar Northern Red Oak (Q. rubra) has less deeply lobed leaves that are less glossy above. Scarlet Oak(Q. coccinea) occurs in drier areas, has smaller, glossier leaves, and turbinate (instead of flat and shallow) acorn cups.

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

Shumard Oak leaves turn brown-red in fall instead of the bright scarlet of Scarlet Oak.

Durham Co., NC 6/8/2003.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/10/02.

Bark of a young tree. Nearly identical to Northern Red Oak.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/10/02.