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Quercus imbricaria

shingle oak

A spreading, deciduous tree to 20m tall, pyramidal before developing a broad, rounded crown with age. Oblong to lance-shaped, dark green glossy leaves up to 18cm long are unlobed with a slightly undulating edge and bristle-pointed; leaves turn yellow-brown to reddish-brown in autumn. Solitary, nearly spherical acorns are borne in scaly cups

Other common names
small-leaved oak
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Red Brown Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Fagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C&E USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, deep, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus

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