Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)

Family: Fagaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Quercus shumardii is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste test can tell when the tannin has been leached. — Up to 25mm long and wide, it can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews etc or mixed with cereals for making bread.; The seed contains bitter tannins, these can be leached out by thoroughly washing the seed in running water though many minerals will also be lost.; Either the whole seed can be used or the seed can be dried and ground it into a powder.; It can take several days or even weeks to properly leach whole seeds, one method was to wrap them in a cloth bag and place them in a stream.

Habitat & North American Range

Borders of streams and swamps in rich moist soils. Usually found in clay soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)