Quercus imbricaria aka Shingle Oak
Taxonomy ID: 1244
Quercus imbricaria, or shingle oak, is a deciduous tree in the red oak group native to the Midwestern and Upper South regions of the US. It grows best in uplands with good drainage, though it can also be found in lowland streams at elevations of 100–700 meters. The tree can grow to be 50-60 feet (15-18 meters) tall, with a broad pyramidal head when young that turns open and broad-topped in old age. Bark of young stems is light brown and smooth, while branchlets are slender and dark green. The pale reddish-brown wood is heavy and hard, used for shingles and sometimes for construction. Winter buds are light brown, ovate, and acute, about one-eighth inch long. Shingle Oak is a super rare houseplant with average needs: regular watering, long-lasting, direct light, and soil that is well-draining. It should not need fertilizers if repotted properly. Although it is not safe to consume, those with children, cats, or dogs should keep the plant out of reach.
Common names
Shingle Oak, Jack Oak, Northern Laurel OakMore information about Shingle Oak
How difficult is it to take care of Shingle Oak
Shingle Oak is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the growth pattern and size of Shingle Oak?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Shingle Oak
Shingle Oak’s native range is Eastern and Central N. America - Pennsylvania to Alabama, west to Kansas.
What are the water needs for Shingle Oak
Shingle Oak should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Shingle Oak
Shingle Oak loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Shingle Oak
To ensure optimal growth, the Shingle Oak prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Shingle Oak
The growth of Shingle Oak is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Is Shingle Oak toxic to humans/pets?
Shingle Oak is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
More Species in Quercus Genus
Quercus douglasii Blue Oak
Quercus cornelius-mulleri Muller Oak
Quercus falcata Southern Red Oak
Quercus acutissima Sawtooth Oak
Quercus ilicifolia Bear Oak
Quercus oleoides White Oak
Quercus vaseyana Sandpaper Oak
Quercus ithaburensis macrolepis Vallonea Oak
Quercus Oak