Quercus imbricaria

RHS Plant Profile
shingle oak
shingle oak visionspictures.com

Other common names

small-leaved oak

Trees

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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