Quercus shumardii Shumard oak

Shumard oak, Pine Hill Road. Sairus Patel, 1 Nov 2022

See two specimens of this member of the red oak group in front of 852 Pine Hill Road, one at each end. This pair has brilliant red to scarlet fall color and holds on to faded leaves, a quality called marcescence. Marcescence is not to everyone’s taste, however, but since it varies by the individual, choose your Shumard oaks in the fall to insure against it.

In Palo Alto, one stands in front of 365 California Avenue. Shumard oak lines San Antonio Avenue between 235 and 361. A row is on the west side of Oregon Expressway south of Ash Street.