Most records mapped here are var. shumardii; see also notes under var. schneckii. This variable species is widespread across southeastern states, but generally restricted to base-rich soils. In early literature from Ky., it was confused with palustris (Short 1828-9, Short et al. 1833-40) or with texana (Pr, Gm); B provided the first usage of the name shumardii. There appear to be occasional hybrids with rubra, velutina and perhaps others; introgression may be locally extensive. Wild hybrids with palustris are not documented in Ky., but see notes under that species. Q. shumardii may be closest to rubra, especiallly in acorns, and it appears to differ only as follows (FNA 3, W): twigs and buds usually somewhat grayish (versus reddish); lobes of sun-leaves often with sinuses more than half way to midrib (versus less than half way). Extensive urban plantings from exogenous nursery stock appears to have increased the confusion in some areas. Some post-1990 plantings along roads in FAYE (e.g. Wilson Downing Road and McGrathiana Parkway), probably imported by wholesale nurseries, have relatively small leaves and acorns; these may be at least transitional to var. schneckii (see notes under that name). Q. shumardii is often difficult to identify based on leaves alone, which are similar in shape to coccinea but relatively deep green above, often turning maroon in fall (versus bright green, turning scarlet). In both species, but especially shumardii, well-developed sun-leaves have lobes that broaden distally, often closing off the sinuses (when pressed). The buds of shumardii are yellowish to grayish-brown (versus brown to reddish in most other red oaks), a character shared with texana. The national champion is reported from POWE: 253 cm dbh, 36 m tall, 31 m wide (KDF 2020).