Shingle Oak Quercus imbricaria

Characteristics

Leaves: simple, alternate, no lobes or serrations,  pointy tip, upper surface is deep green, slick and waxy, up to 6 inches in length and 2 inches in width, lance-shaped or oval shaped; base is narrow; leafstalks around 1/2 inch long, wide and fuzzy

Flower: staminate and pistillate, appear when leaves unfold, no petals, staminate have skinny, yellow, droopy catkins; pistillate-small clusters

Fruit: acorns, dark brown, found solitary or in groups of 2, stalked, around 1/2 of acorn is enclosed by cup, cup is a little fuzzy and brownish-red in color

Twigs: skinny, smooth, brownish-red; alternate leaf scars, half-round, somewhat raised, many bundle traces; pith (center) is shaped like a star when cut in a cross-section

Buds: brownish, ovale, pointy, smooth, around 1/8 inch long

Bark: dark brown, plates are flat and tight with deep furrows

Form: medium tree, as tall as 70 feet; straight trunk with a width up to 3 feet; round or oblong crown; 

Wood description and uses: heavy, hard, light brownish-red, rough-grained; roofing material (shingles) or building material

Habitat: moist areas, sometimes on dry sandstone cliffs

Range: New Jersey to Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, south to Kansas, east to Arkansas and South Carolina

Distinguishing features: broad leaves without teeth or lobes, star-shaped pith

Location: Mattoon, Illinois

Sources Cited: Mohlenbrock, Robert. (N.D.). Forest Trees of Illinois. Springfield, IL:

                               Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

(c) 2003 Cumberland High School Jennifer M. All right reserved.

Contact Information- lstarwalt@cumberland.k12.il.us

Link to Native Trees of Illinois index page