Life History and Disturbance Response of Quercus shumardii (Shumard Oak)
Family: Fagaceae
Guild: persistent, large-seeded, advance growth dependent
Functional Lifeform: large deciduous tree
Ecological Role: A lowland tree that grows scattered with other hardwoods on well-drained soils associated with large and small trees. Shumard oak tolerates drought well. Its acorns are a source of food for many animals and birds
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): ?/480
Shade Tolerance: intolerant
Height, m: 20-40
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 25/50/?
Mast Frequency, yrs: 2-3yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: spring
Seedfall Begins: early fall
Seed Banking: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: nut (acorn)/50m/gravity, animals, birds
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: unknown
Sprouting: root sprouts
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: variable
Light: open conditions
Moisture: moist required
Temperature:
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Largely unknown. Large trees can probably survive moderate fires. Top-killed tree will sprout from the roots.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: