Shingle Oak

Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria)

Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria), also known as Laurel Oak or Late Oak, is a medium to large deciduous tree prized for its smooth-edged, laurel-like foliage and strong adaptability to a variety of sites. Native to the Midwest and parts of the Eastern United States, it offers a full, rounded crown and reliable performance in urban, residential, and naturalized settings.

Distinctive Features

This oak matures to 50 to 70 feet tall with a dense, rounded canopy and a straight central trunk. Unlike many other oaks, Shingle Oak has unlobed, glossy green leaves that resemble those of bay or laurel trees. In fall, foliage turns rich shades of yellow-brown to russet red. The tree produces small, rounded acorns with shallow caps, which mature over two seasons and serve as a valuable food source for birds and mammals. Bark is dark gray and smooth when young, becoming shallowly ridged with age.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soils
• Soil pH: Acidic to slightly alkaline
• Water Needs: Moderate; tolerant of occasional drought or wet periods once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Shade tree for lawns, parks, and schoolyards
• Focal point for residential landscapes with broad canopies
• Reclamation and reforestation of disturbed sites
• Buffer plantings along roads or property edges
• Wildlife plantings in large-scale native habitats

Low Maintenance Care

• Requires minimal pruning after central leader is established
• Mulch root zone during establishment to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Water during extended droughts, especially in the first three years
• Withstands urban pollution and compacted soils once mature
• Monitor for oak wilt in susceptible regions and plant accordingly

Why Choose Shingle Oak

• Unique foliage provides a refined, laurel-like appearance
• Handles a wide range of soil and moisture conditions
• Dense canopy delivers reliable shade and habitat
• Attracts birds, squirrels, and other wildlife with abundant acorns
• A dependable focal point for urban or naturalized landscapes

Shingle Oak combines the adaptability of native oaks with distinctive foliage and a tidy form, making it a practical yet eye-catching focal point in both formal and ecological landscapes.