The leaves of the this oak are fairly long and narrow and do not have lobes as is typical of the oaks. A relatively fast growing tree with dark green leaves turning gorgeous russet brown and yellow tones in fall. Holds its leaves in winter especially if hit by a hard freeze while still green. Bark is gray-brown with broad, low ridges. Could be the longest lived oak when planted in ornamental conditions. New root pruning and fertilization techniques in nursery production have made oaks easier to transplant and have given them faster growth rates.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Shingle Oak
Quercus imbricaria
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
Hardy From Zone:
Hardy To Zone:


Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate, High

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Nesting, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
50 to
60
feet
Spread:
50 to
70
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
60
feet
Spread: 50 to
70
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
60
feet
Spread: 50 to
70
feet
Typical Landscape Use
A large, finer textured oak (leaves) for a shade tree. Wood was used for making shingles.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Tolerant of city conditions & disturbed areas. Adaptable to various soil moisture levels and low to high pH.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.