Quercus shumardii aka Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii, also known as the Shumard oak, spotted oak, Schneck oak, Shumard red oak, or swamp red oak, is a large deciduous tree belonging to the red oak group (Quercus section Lobatae). It is closely related to Quercus buckleyi, Quercus texana, and Quercus gravesii. This medium-sized tree can reach heights of up to 18m and has a pyramidal shape in its early stages, gradually spreading to form a broad, open crown as it matures. The glossy green leaves are deeply-cut, measuring up to 20cm in length, and feature 7-9 lobes with noticeable tufts of hairs on the undersides. In autumn, the leaves turn either red or golden-brown. Inconspicuous greenish flowers appear in spring, followed by acorns in the autumn that are usually solitary and can grow up to 2.5cm long. While Shumard oak is typically found in moist locations in bottomlands, lowlands, and along streams and lakes in central and southern Missouri, it is more commonly seen on dry, elevated sites in the St. Louis area. Its habit and appearance are similar to the scarlet oak.