The Laurel, also known as the Shingle Oak, is a native plant from the eastern and midwestern United States, belonging to the Fagaceae family and the imbricaria species. This perennial tree thrives in hardiness zones 4 to 8 and is well-suited to its native habitats, often found in well-drained soils near streams or rivers.
Historically, the shingle oak earned its name from its significance in producing roof shingles, highlighting its practical value in earlier times. This tree is cherished not only for its utility but also for its role as a resilient native plant that enhances biodiversity and supports local ecosystems.
| Common name | Laurel, Shingle Oak |
| Botanical name | Quercus imbricaria |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Species | imbricaria |
| Origin | Eastern and mid USA |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Plant type | Native Plant |
| Hardiness zone | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Maintenance | Medium |
| Soil condition | Clay |
| Soil ph | Acid |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Harvest time | Fall |
| Flowering period | Spring |
| Height | 5- 70 ft. |
| Flower color | Gold, Yellow |
| Leaf color | Green |
| Fruit color | Brown, Copper |
| Stem color | Brown, Copper |
| Fruit type | Nut |
| Leaf benefit | Edible |
| Garden style | Butterfly Garden |
| Uses | Lawn |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Quercus imbricaria, the shingle oak, is a deciduous tree in the red oak group of oaks. It is native primarily to the Midwestern and Upper South regions of North America.
It is most commonly found growing in uplands with good drainage, less often along lowland streams, at altitudes of 100–700 m (330–2,300 ft).
Quercus imbricaria is usually 15–18 meters (50–60 feet) high, maximum height 100 ft, with a broad pyramidal head when young, becoming in old age, broad-topped and open. Trunk up to 1 m (40 inches) in diameter (rarely 1.4 m or 56 in). It reaches its largest size in southern Illinois and Indiana, although the national champion is 104′ by 68′ in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Bark: Light brown, scaly; on young stems light brown, smooth. Branchlets are slender, dark green and shining at first, later become light brown, finally dark brown.
- Wood: Pale reddish brown, sapwood lighter; heavy, hard coarse-grained, checks badly in drying; used for shingles and sometimes in construction. Sp. gr., 0.7529; weight of cu. ft., 46.92 lbs.
- Winter buds: Light brown, ovate, acute, one-eight inch long.
- Leaves: Alternate, oblong or obovate, four to six inches long, one to two inches wide, wedge-shaped or rounded at base, acute or rounded at apex, sometimes entire or with undulate margins, sometimes more or less three-lobed. They come out of the bud involute, bright red, covered with rusty down above and white tomentum below. When full grown are dark green, smooth and shining above, pale green or pale brown, downy below; midribs stout yellow, grooved above, primary veins slender. In autumn they become dark red above, pale beneath, midribs darken, then the leaf. Petioles stout, hairy, flattened, grooved. Stipules about one-half inch long, caducous.
- Flowers: May, when leaves are half grown. Staminate flowers borne on tomentose aments two to three inches long. Bracts linear-lanceolate. Calyx pale yellow, downy, four-lobed; stamens four to five; anthers yellow. Pistillate flowers borne on slender tomentose peduncles. Involucres scales are downy, about as long as the calyx lobes; stigmas short, reflexed, greenish-yellow.
- Acorns: Ripen in autumn of second year, about 18 months after pollination. Stalked, solitary or in pairs; nut almost spherical, 9–18 millimeters or 1⁄2 to 2⁄3 in long; cup embraces one-half to two-thirds nut, is cup-shaped covered with light red brown, downy scales, rounded or acute at apex. Kernel very bitter.
- It is distinguished from most other oaks by its leaves, which are shaped like laurel leaves, 8–20 cm (4–10 in) long and 1.5–7.5 cm (1⁄2–3 in) broad with an untoothed margin; they are bright green above, paler and somewhat downy beneath.
The shingle oak tree’s tissues contain tannins, including in its leaves and seeds. This makes the plant very bitter to most animals, who will tend to leave it alone. Young children and cognitively impaired people, however, may end up ingesting parts of the tree. Tannins mostly cause digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and colic. Eventually, those exposed to it can develop depressive symptoms and the frequent passing of discolored urine as their body tries to get rid of the toxin. Any acorns that are swallowed whole can also choke a child or obstruct their bowels. Keep children away from this plant.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Shingle oak thrives in full sun conditions, receiving unfiltered sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. This exposure is crucial for the plant’s energy generation, fostering healthy growth and optimal foliage development. Shingle oak exhibits a degree of adaptability to lighter shade; however, reduced light levels can potentially lead to leggy growth and diminished vitality. Adequate sunlight also encourages robust root systems and vibrant leaf coloration, whereas too much shade may result in a sparser canopy and weaker structural integrity. Outdoors, shingle oak is best planted in open spaces that receive daily, direct sunlight for it to flourish to its full potential.
Temperature
Shingle oak grows in a large range of temperatures. It is adaptable in hardiness zones 5-9.It prefers well drained soil with adequate ventilation in the tree canopy. Shingle oak will not do well in standing water. Also, leaf molds pose serious threats if the leaves cannot dry out in the wind. So make sure they are not stuck against buildings where rainwater may drain.
Watering
Shingle oak thrives in environments that mimic its native habitat, where intermittent rains are followed by dry periods. This species is drought-tolerant and has adapted to conserve water effectively. Its watering needs are moderate, requiring hydration once every 1-2 weeks to maintain a balance between moisture and drainage. Shingle oak typically fares better outdoors due to its ability to withstand variations in natural rainfall patterns, making it well-suited for temperate climates where deciduous plants shed leaves seasonally, reducing water demand during dormancy.
Soil
Ideal soils are well-drained loam, sandy-loam, or sandy-clay soils. Some alluvial fan areas and silts harbor good oaks stands. The key in all of these is that the soil is well-drained. Standing water cannot be tolerated by oaks.
Fertilizing
For shingle oak, choose balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring and high nitrogen ones during establishment. Fertilize biannually to boost growth and health, adjusting application in line with life stages. Initially, more frequent fertilization aids root and canopy development, after which a steady biannual schedule maintains vigor. Use recommended doses: too much damages roots. Seasonal variations, like reduced winter needs, must be considered. Safety tip: avoid root contact. Fertilization enriches soil, enhances growth, and bolsters resilience. Ideal for all skill levels, ensuring optimal care for shingle oak.
Pruning
Branches should be pruned to avoid moist pockets or where heavy branches may fall on people or buildings. Avoid having branches that grow with leaves tight together or pressed against buildings. If rain collects in these pockets then molds and fungi can attack. Shingle oak love having their leaves dry out in a well ventilated breeze.
To ensure that no danger occurs from the brittle hardwood branches, make sure that heavy branches do not hang over walking paths or outbuildings. Also, do not let children play near oaks in a thunderstorm as they are susceptible to falling branches and lightning strikes.
Propagation
Shingle oak can be propagated in autumn and winter through hardwood cuttings, layering (air), and sowing seeds. Its propagation difficulty is moderate. Signs of successful propagation include the appearance of new root growth and healthy young shoots. When propagating through hardwood cuttings, make sure to use well-ripened branches from the previous year’s growth.
Transplanting
The prime time to transplant shingle oak falls within the S1-S2 period, assuring higher survivability rates due to the cool, wet conditions. Shingle oak thrives best in sun-to-partial shade locations. A successful transplant ensures roots stay moist during the process for optimal growth.
Pests and Diseases
Good pest resistance. Oaks, in general, are susceptible to oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Shingle oak is a versatile drought-tolerant oak that has various uses in landscaping. It can be utilized as an ornamental or a shade tree and can be used to create natural-looking hedges, screens, and windbreaks on properties that can allow its natural spread. Often featured in cultivated prairies and meadows, it is considered an excellent choice for native Western gardens.
- Other uses
In the past, the wood was important for making shingles, from which the common name derives.
Find Where to Buy the Best Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria)
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