Shingle Oak

(Laurel Oak)

Quercus Imbricaria

A medium size, shade tree native to central and eastern USA. Rarely planted in New Brunswick. Atypical oak leaves that are not lobed but oval with a bristle tip at the end. Glossy, dark-green in summer turning yellow-brown or red-brown in fall. The wood was once used for making shingles – hence the name. Acorns provide valuable food for local wildlife. Trees have both male and female flowers on the same tree and are wind pollinated. Yields better seed crops when more than one tree is present through cross pollination. Can produce hybrid seeds if planted near other oak species from red oak group. Prune in late winter or early spring to avoid transmission of pathogens.