OF Ohio 



65 



SHINGLE OAK 



Quercus imbricaria, Michaux 



THE Shingle Oak, also called Laurel Oak, is among the 

 unique oaks of eastern North America. At first glance 

 it appears to be an over-size laurel, but a close examination 

 reveals acorns, placing it definitely among the oaks. 



The leaves are simple, alternate, 4 to 6 inches long, 1 

 to 2 inches wide, wedge- 

 shaped at base, sharp-pointed 

 at apex, smooth along mar- 

 gin. Mature leaves are dark 

 green and shiny above and 

 pale below. 



The flowers are similar to 

 those of other oaks. 



The fruit is a small acorn 

 maturing in two seasons. 

 The nut is egg-shaped, about 

 J^ of an inch long, dark 

 brown. The cup is saucer- 

 shaped, reddish-brown, en- 

 closing almost ^ of nut. 



The bark is light to grayish-brown, becomes rough with 

 shallow furrows. On young trunks it is smooth and shiny. 

 The twigs are smooth, shiny and dark brown. The buds 

 are about % of an inch long, chestnut-brown. 



The wood is rather heavy, hard and strong. It is used 

 for fuel, shingles, and locally for lumber. 



The Shingle Oak is found from Pennsylvania to Michi- 

 gan, south to Georgia and Arkansas. The most eastern 

 station is near Dorney's Park, in Lehigh county, Pennsyl- 

 vania. In Ohio it is generally distributed throughout the 

 State, becoming less frequent in the western part. - Rich, 

 moist bottomlands are its favorite home, where it may 

 reach a height of 80 feet and a diameter of 3 feet. The 

 attractive form and beautiful foliage of this tree recom- 

 mend it for ornamental planting. It has a rather poor 

 form and is short-lived. It hybridizes freely with other 

 oaks. 



SHINGLE OAK 

 One-fourth natural size. 



