treeN. America Native

Shingle Oak

Quercus imbricaria

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus imbricaria, the shingle oak, is a deciduous North American tree growing up to eighty feet tall, characterized by its unusual unlobed, lanceolate leaves that resemble laurel foliage. The crown begins with a symmetrical pyramidal form in youth and gradually broadens into a rounded canopy with drooping lower branches.

Unlike most oaks, this species features smooth-edged, glossy dark green leaves that turn a rich yellow-brown to russet-red in fall and persist on the branches through winter. The hard, fine-grained wood was historically split into shakes and shingles, giving the tree its common name.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, symmetrical canopy with glossy summer foliage and persistent, warm-toned winter leaves.

Functions as an excellent windbreak or large street tree due to its high wind resistance and tolerance of urban soils.

Supports native songbirds, wild turkeys, and small mammals with high-value acorns and dense winter nesting shelter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720"

Width

600"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if raw acorns are ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun to partially shaded location with deep, well-draining soil.
Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep taproot.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Limit pruning to structural training during mid-to-late winter when the tree is fully dormant.

Pro Tip

Always prune during the dormant winter months; active-season cuts open pathways for sap-feeding beetles that transmit devastating oak wilt.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune strictly during the dormant winter season to prevent disease vectors.
Provide supplemental water during extended summer droughts while the tree is young.
Clear fallen winter leaves if maintaining a pristine lawn area is required.

Don't

Do not prune during the spring or summer growing season when oak wilt is active.
Do not cut back into old, leafless bare wood where epicormic sprouting is poor.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can stimulate weak, disease-susceptible growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade TreeStreet TreeWindbreakNative Restoration

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Cornus florida Viburnum acerifolium Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shingle Oak questions

What zones can Shingle Oak grow in?

Shingle Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shingle Oak deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Shingle Oak, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Shingle Oak bloom?

Shingle Oak typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shingle Oak need full sun?

Shingle Oak does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Shingle Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shingle Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.