Shingle Oak
quercus imbricaria
Also known as: ["Shingle Oak","Imbricate Oak"]
Overview
A deciduous oak tree native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive lance-shaped leaves that lack lobes and its acorns, which are an important food source for wildlife.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Genus: | Quercus |
| Botanical Name: | Quercus imbricaria |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, adaptable to various garden settings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–29 to 43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers good aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; focus on selective removal rather than heavy cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the tree gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor for leaf scorch; provide shade during extreme heat; rotate the tree for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water deeply to encourage deep roots; avoid frequent shallow watering; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
deep, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid compacting soil around the root zone; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold temperatures down to -25°F (-32°C); prefers moderate temperatures during active growth.
Protect from extreme cold in early spring; avoid planting in frost pockets; monitor for heat stress during summer.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Test soil before fertilizing; apply fertilizer around the drip line; water thoroughly after application.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is common; cuttings can be challenging but possible with proper treatment.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect mature seeds or healthy cuttings.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant seeds or cuttings.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring for seeds; late summer for cuttings, if attempted.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light for cuttings; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone can be used for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–3 months to germinate; cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, sterile soil mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; ensure cuttings have at least two nodes; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction; avoid topping the tree.
Pruning Plan
Prune to remove dead or diseased branches, improve structure, and maintain shape.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or crossing branches; make clean cuts; avoid removing more than 20% of foliage at once.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container-grown trees.
Method
Gently remove the root ball, trim any circling roots, replant in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Generally not required for outdoor trees; container-grown trees may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the tree, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, premature leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning of leaf margins.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf damage or dieback, but mature trees are generally cold-hardy.
Solution: Protect young trees with mulch; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites; ensure proper winter hydration.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced growth, especially in young trees.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply during heatwaves; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as oaks are generally low-maintenance.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal issues if they consume parts of Quercus imbricaria, such as acorns or leaves, due to tannin content. The toxicity is generally low but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Quercus imbricaria, particularly the acorns, due to the presence of tannins. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicQuercus imbricaria, commonly known as shingle oak, contains tannins which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The acorns are particularly high in tannins, which can lead to digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Quercus imbricaria suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is relatively tolerant of urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soil.
Q: How tall does Quercus imbricaria grow?
A: It typically reaches 40–60 feet in height, with a spread of 30–50 feet.
Q: Does Quercus imbricaria produce acorns every year?
A: No, like many oak species, it produces acorns biennially or irregularly, depending on environmental conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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