Introduction

This stately, deciduous, native tree grows 40 to 60 feet tall (occasionally 80 to 100 feet) with an equal or greater spread, its broad, strong branches casting medium to deep shade below the rounded canopy. The smooth, 4- to 6-inch-long by 1- to 2-inch-wide leaves start out life with a red to yellow cast, deepen to a rich green through the summer, then turn shades of yellow and rust again in the fall before dropping. Some leaves will persist on the tree throughout the winter. In May or early June the flowers appear as drooping yellowish-green catkins and are followed by the production of one-half to one-inch-long, dark brown acorns.

General Information

Scientific name: Quercus imbricaria

Pronunciation: KWERK-us im-brih-KAIR-ee-uh

Common name(s): Shingle oak, northern laurel oak

Family: Fagaceae

USDA hardiness zones: 5A through 8A (Fig. 2)

Origin: native to North America

Invasive potential: little invasive potential

Uses: street without sidewalk; specimen; shade; parking lot island > 200 sq ft; tree lawn > 6 ft wide

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the tree

Description

Height: 40 to 60 feet

Spread: 40 to 60 feet

Crown uniformity: symmetrical

Crown shape: pyramidal, round, oval

Crown density: dense

Growth rate: slow

Texture: medium

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: undulate, sinuate/undulate

Leaf shape: lanceolate, oblong, elliptic (oval)

Leaf venation: pinnate, reticulate

Leaf type and persistence: deciduous

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches, 4 to 8 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: yellow, red

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: brown

Flower characteristics: not showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: oval, round

Fruit length: .5 to 1 inch

Fruit covering: dry or hard

Fruit color: brown

Fruit characteristics: attracts squirrels/mammals; not showy; fruit/leaves a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches droop; not showy; typically one trunk; thorns

Pruning requirement: little required

Breakage: resistant

Current year twig color: green, brown

Current year twig thickness: thin

Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun

Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; slightly alkaline; acidic; extended flooding; well-drained

Drought tolerance: high

Aerosol salt tolerance: high

Other

Roots: not a problem

Winter interest: yes

Outstanding tree: yes

Ozone sensitivity: tolerant

Verticillium wilt susceptibility: resistant

Pest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases

Use and Management

The wood of shingle oak is extremely durable and was used in pioneer days for split shingles. This strong, resilient nature of shingle oak and its pyramidal shape when young help to make it suited to use as a screen, or a durable street or specimen tree which is unlikely to be damaged by harsh winds or snow-loads. It can be planted along residential streets, but there are more adaptable trees for downtown areas.

Naturally found along streams or river banks, shingle oak should be grown in full sun and prefers moist but well-drained, acid soils though it will adapt to moderately drier conditions and slightly alkaline soil. It is tolerant of wet sites once established. Field-grown trees should be transplanted in springtime for best survival.

Propagation is by seed.

Pests

Some pests of this oak are borer, variable oak and oak slug caterpillar although natural enemies usually provide control.

Diseases

Twig gall leaf miner and powdery mildew are common diseases fo this tree. Shingle oak is also susceptible to oak wilt.