Shingle oak (Quercus imbricaria)

Also known as: Laurel oak

The Shingle Oak, named for its historical use in crafting roof shingles, is native to the Midwestern and Upper South regions of North America. This tree typically thrives in well-drained soils and is commonly found along streams and rivers.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Shingle oak

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 21 m

Spread

15 m to 18 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

3 mm

Flower Color

Yellow Green Gold

Images of Shingle oak

Quickly Identify Shingle oak

Simplified, unlobed leaves arranged shingle-like for distinct silhouette.

Male flowers in drooping yellow-green clusters, female flowers nestled in leaf axils.

Round acorns with textured scale-like cup covering one third of nut.

Glossy lance-shaped leaves with single bristle tip, persisting into winter.

Gray branch bark transitions to brown twigs with scattered lenticels for speckled look.

Scientific Classification of Shingle oak

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fagales

Family

Beech

Genus

Oaks

Species

Shingle oak

Planting and Growing of Shingle oak

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Shingle oak?

The Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) prefers a deep soaking, allowing water to penetrate the soil deeply. Aim for about 1000 ml per session, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. This promotes healthy root growth, avoiding waterlogging and ensuring the soil retains enough moisture without becoming soggy.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Shingle oak? ›

What should I do if my Shingle oak is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Shingle oak? ›

How to save an overwatered Shingle oak? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Shingle oak?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours

Quercus imbricaria thrives best in full sun to partial sun environments. This range ensures enough light for essential growth without the negative effects of overexposure.

Solution to Achieve Ideal Lighting ›

How to Provide Ideal Light Conditions ›

Benefits of Ideal Lighting for the Plant ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Shingle oak?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperatures for Quercus imbricaria range from 60°F to 75°F. This range supports optimum growth, ensuring healthy leaf development and maximizing photosynthesis. Consistently maintaining these temperatures helps prevent stress and allows the plant to flourish.

What Soil is Best for Shingle oak?

Soil type: Loam, Clay soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Quercus imbricaria thrives in well-draining soils that prevent waterlogging, which can suffocate roots and lead to root rot. Ensuring good drainability supports healthy root systems and enhances nutrient uptake. This plant benefits from nutrient-rich soil to support its robust growth and foliage development. Incorporating organic matter like compost improves fertility, promoting vigorous growth. While drainage is critical, the soil should also retain enough moisture to support the plant during dry spells. Mulching around the plant base can help maintain optimal moisture levels. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Shingle oak?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Quercus imbricaria, it's important to provide a balanced amount of nutrients. Use a liquid fertilizer formula with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-4-8, applying approximately one cup per foot of the tree's height when using liquid fertilizer. For solid, slow-release fertilizers, apply around 1 pound for every inch of trunk diameter. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Shingle oak?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Begin pruning by identifying any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which should be removed first. Use clean, sharp tools to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or a branch that is growing in the preferred direction. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation within the canopy, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the tree's foliage at once. This encourages better structural integrity and healthier foliage. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Shingle oak plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early summer

Gather seeds from a healthy Quercus imbricaria specimen. Remove any debris and soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to check viability. Discard any that float as they may not germinate.

To break dormancy, place the seeds in a moist substrate like sand or peat, and store them in the refrigerator at around 5°C (41°F) for 8-10 weeks. This cold treatment mimics natural winter conditions.

Once stratified, plant the seeds in prepared soil in a seed tray, ensuring they are buried about 1 inch deep. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination, which should take 2-4 weeks.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Shingle oak plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

You should repot Quercus imbricaria when you notice roots starting to circle the pot bottom, or when growth becomes stagnant despite regular care. Repotting is best done in early spring or late autumn, allowing the tree to establish in its new pot before the active growing season. Pay attention to signs like yellowing leaves or a stunted appearance as these are indicators that it may need a change in environment.

Select a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, providing ample room for root growth without overwhelming the plant. The pot should have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The material can be ceramic or plastic, but ensure it is stable enough to support the tree's structure, giving it room for expansion without toppling.

Opt for a well-draining loamy soil mix that retains some moisture yet allows excess water to flow out. This type of soil ensures that roots have the necessary air exposure, promoting healthy growth and preventing root diseases. Incorporating organic matter can enhance nutrient retention while providing a balanced growing medium perfect for Quercus imbricaria.

Toxicity of Shingle oak

Is Shingle oak toxic to humans?

The tissues of the shingle oak tree, including its leaves and seeds, are rich in tannins. This compounds the plant's bitterness, leading most animals to avoid it. However, young children and individuals with cognitive impairments may unintentionally consume parts of the tree. The primary effects of tannins are digestive disturbances, which can manifest as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and colic. In the long term, those who are exposed may experience depressive symptoms along with the frequent excretion of discolored urine as the body attempts to eliminate the toxin. Moreover, swallowing acorns whole poses a choking risk for children or can potentially block their intestines. It is essential to keep children away from this plant.

Is Shingle oak toxic to cat?

Shingle oak presents a moderate toxicity risk for cats. A cat may experience toxic effects if it consumes substantial amounts of certain parts, including the leaves or seeds. Pet owners need to be attentive, as two common routes to poisoning involve playful chewing or curiosity-driven eating. Ingestion can result in indications of physical distress or negative reactions necessitating prompt attention. Should any symptoms of illness emerge after a cat has come into contact with shingle oak, it is essential to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to safeguard the cat's well-being and avert additional complications.

Is Shingle oak toxic to dog?

The shingle oak, a type of plant, is deemed to possess a mild level of toxicity for dogs. Dogs are at risk of poisoning mainly if they ingest large quantities of its leaves or seeds. Pet owners must remain alert, as consuming these parts in considerable amounts may result in negative health consequences. Signs that may occur after a dog has ingested shingle oak include gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, or more serious indications depending on the quantity consumed. It is essential for dog owners to observe their pets' behavior closely and restrict access to these plant parts. Should a dog consume shingle oak, it is critical to obtain immediate veterinary attention to ensure appropriate treatment and management of any emerging symptoms.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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