Quercus imbricaria - Shingle Oak (syn. Laurel Oak)

A beautiful and rugged shade tree with a broad, rounded habit of growth and rather non-oak-like leaves, best for larger landscapes where it has ample room to grow; strong and adaptable, prefers loose, acidic soils but quite tolerant

Height: 60 feet. Spread: 60 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 4a.

Ornamental features

Shingle Oak has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges red in spring on a tree with a round habit of growth. The glossy narrow leaves turn coppery-bronze in fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape

Shingle Oak is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Recommended for: Shade.

Planting and growing

Shingle Oak will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 300 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This species is native to parts of North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.