Oak tree

This invention relates to a novel variety of Shumard Oak, distinguished by its immature leaf color which is maroon until late spring or early summer, then turning into green.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of oak tree of 
the species botanically known as Quercus shumardii and commonly called 
"Shumard oak." I discovered my new variety as a seedling mutation of 
unknown parentage among a group of nursery plants of the Shumard oak 
variety which were being grown in a cultivated area of a nursery in 
Boring, Oreg. 
While engaged in the routine care of the nursery, my attention was first 
attracted to the new seedling among a row of Shumard oak seedlings because 
of the coloration of its leaves. At that time, the leaves of the new 
seedling were a deep maroon, while the leaves of the other Shumard oak 
seedlings in the nursery were green. Close observations of the new 
seedling and continued observations of progeny thereof subsequently 
asexually propagated by me in Boring, Oreg. by budding, confirmed that the 
unique leaf coloration of the new variety was the result of a seedling 
variation. I am, therefore, convinced that my new tree represents a new 
and improved variety of Quercus shumardii, as particularly evidenced by 
the following unique combination of characteristics which have proven 
firmly fixed, are outstanding therein, and which distinguish it from all 
other varieties of this species: 
1. Leaves which when newly formed are deep maroon in color; and 
2. The long-lastingness of the maroon coloration of such leaves which gives 
the entire tree a distinct and highly ornamental maroon appearance until 
late spring or early summer.

As previously indicated, the newly formed leaves are maroon. Thereafter, as 
the leaves age, they gradually turn to an olive green color. FIG. 2 
depicts this progressive change in color from the young leaf on the right 
to the more mature leaf on the left. In addition, the maroon new growth 
leaves which appear late in the growing season contrast with those leaves 
which have turned green to give the tree an attractive multicolor look. 
The leaves of other Shumard oak trees, unlike my new variety, are green in 
the spring. In fact, in mid-June 1976, the Shumard oak trees, except for 
my new variety, growing in the area where my nursery aforesaid is located, 
all had green leaves, while at the same time, the entire tree of my new 
variety had a maroon appearance. Otherwise, my new variety generally is 
typical of the species. 
The following is a detailed description of my new variety of Quercus 
shumardii, with color terminology in accordance with the "Royal 
Horticultural Society Color Chart" (hereinafter R.H.S.), published by the 
Royal Horticultural Society of London. It is pointed out, however, that 
the coloration of the leaves as indicated below is only approximate 
because the coloring varies considerably as the leaves age. In addition, 
the size and shape of the leaves varies from tree to tree and depend upon 
the nature of the growing season. 
Parentage: A seedling mutation of unknown parentage. 
Propagation: Holds to distinguishing characteristics through succeeding 
propagation by budding. 
Locality where grown and observed: Boring, Oreg. 
Tree: Upright, healthy. 
Foliage: 
Shape.--Obovate to oval. 
Size.--Typically 3 to 5 inches long and 2 to 4 inches broad. 
Apex.--Acuminate to acute. 
Base.--Cuneate. 
Margin.--Typically seven to nine lobes, with many bristle tips. The lobes 
are often subdivided into secondary lobes by sinuses. 
Color.--As described above and more specifically: Initially the leaf is a 
deep maroon color (similar to RHS 187A) which gradually changes with age 
to a lighter maroon color (somewhat darker than RHS 183A) and then to an 
olive green with a maroon cast (not shown in RHS). Eventually, the leaf 
turns to an olive green to green color (generally like RHS 137C) similar 
to the color of the leaf of other Shumard oaks.