Shingle Oak

The Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree native to North America. It typically reaches heights of 50 to 70 feet with a spread of 40 to 50 feet. The tree has a rounded, spreading canopy and develops a stout trunk. The leaves of the Shingle Oak are alternate, simple, and deeply lobed with smooth margins. They are glossy green in the summer and turn yellow or brown in the fall. The bark of the Shingle Oak is grayish-brown and develops shallow furrows and ridges. The tree produces small acorns that are a food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Shingle Oaks prefer well-drained soil and are adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. They thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. Shingle Oaks are valued for their ornamental qualities and are commonly planted as shade trees in landscapes, parks, and along streets. They provide ample shade and have a relatively low maintenance requirement.