Oak wilt can attack all red oaks, including the Shumard oak. The woods consist of sweetgum, sugar maple, tuliptree, shumard oak, and green ash throughout. Shumard oak twigs terminate in a cluster of buds. The young bark of the Shumard oak is light grey, very smooth, and very reflective. Species grown south of their native areas include American sweetgum, Shumard oak, and tulip tree. The lumber of Shumard oak is considered "mechanically superior" to that of other red oaks. Shumard oak bark darkens and develops ridges and furrows as it ages.