ENH-706

Quercus imbricaria: Shingle Oak1

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2

1. This document is ENH-706, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006. Reviewed February 2014. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; and Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.

IntroductionThis 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 InformationScientific name: Quercus imbricariaPronunciation: KWERK-us im-brih-KAIR-ee-uhCommon name(s): Shingle oak, northern laurel oakFamily: FagaceaeUSDA hardiness zones: 5A through 8A (Fig. 2)Origin: native to North AmericaInvasive potential: little invasive potentialUses: street without sidewalk; specimen; shade; parking lot island > 200 sq ft; tree lawn > 6 ft wideAvailability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the tree

DescriptionHeight: 40 to 60 feetSpread: 40 to 60 feet

Crown uniformity: symmetricalCrown shape: pyramidal, round, ovalCrown density: denseGrowth rate: slowTexture: medium

FoliageLeaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)Leaf type: simpleLeaf margin: undulate, sinuate/undulate

Figure 1. Middle-aged Quercus imbricaria: shingle oakCredits: Ed Gilman, UF/IFAS

2Quercus imbricaria: Shingle Oak

Leaf shape: lanceolate, oblong, elliptic (oval)Leaf venation: pinnate, reticulateLeaf type and persistence: deciduousLeaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches, 4 to 8 inchesLeaf color: greenFall color: yellow, redFall characteristic: not showy

FlowerFlower color: brownFlower characteristics: not showy

FruitFruit shape: oval, roundFruit length: .5 to 1 inchFruit covering: dry or hardFruit color: brownFruit characteristics: attracts squirrels/mammals; not showy; fruit/leaves a litter problem

Trunk and BranchesTrunk/bark/branches: branches droop; not showy; typi-cally one trunk; thornsPruning requirement: little required

Breakage: resistantCurrent year twig color: green, brownCurrent year twig thickness: thinWood specific gravity: unknown

CultureLight requirement: full sunSoil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; slightly alkaline; acidic; extended flooding; well-drainedDrought tolerance: highAerosol salt tolerance: high

OtherRoots: not a problemWinter interest: yesOutstanding tree: yesOzone sensitivity: tolerantVerticillium wilt susceptibility: resistantPest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases

Use and ManagementThe 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.

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

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

Figure 2. Range

Figure 3. Foliage