Shingle Oak
Quercus imbricaria
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Pl. 4A8B — Quercus imbricaria
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IOverview
Overview
Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, found in states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, and Illinois. This oak species thrives in moist, heavy clay soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6, making it well-suited for areas with rich, fertile soil. It prefers full to partial sun and grows up to 20 meters tall, providing both aesthetic appeal and shade with its distinctive overlapping leaves that resemble shingles on a roof. Shingle Oak is known for its edible acorns, which have been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health. A decoction of the bark may help bolster the body's defenses against common ailments. The tree also serves as an ornamental addition to landscapes in hardiness zones 4-8, offering a medium growth rate and moderate drought resistance. While primarily appreciated for its edible seed, Shingle Oak is also valued for its lumber and tannin, making it a versatile addition to both natural and cultivated settings.
Quick answers
What is Shingle Oak?
Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, found in states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, and Illinois. This oak species thrives in moist, heavy clay soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6, making it well-suited for areas with rich, fertile soil.
What is Shingle Oak used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Shingle Oak
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · traditional-use context
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · traditional-use contextTraditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
- Shingle Oak, like other oak species, has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health. A decoction of the bark may help bolster the body's defenses against common ailments.
The tannins and flavonoids found in oak bark are thought to have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against pathogens. However, the specific mechanism is not fully characterised.
▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Shingle Oak support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Shingle Oak prefers full to partial sun and requires moist, medium to heavy (clay) soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 20 meters tall. For propagation, seeds can be used. This tree thrives in temperate regions, native to states like Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–6
For first-time growers
How to grow Shingle Oak for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a Shingle Oak in your garden for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Shingle Oak sapling, well-draining soil, and a shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist and has a pH between 4.5–6. Amend with organic matter if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering during dry spells, not providing enough sunlight, and using the wrong soil type.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:TanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 22 native
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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