When does shingle oak bloom?

Shingle oak produces small catkins in April and May, typically as the leaves begin to unfurl.

What pollinates shingle oak?

Shingle oak flowers are visited by bees and beetles, though like other oaks it also relies heavily on wind for pollen transfer.

How much water does shingle oak need?

Established shingle oaks handle medium moisture well and can tolerate drier soil once their root systems mature.

What light does shingle oak need to grow well?

Shingle oak grows best in full sun and can also tolerate part sun conditions, though flowering and canopy density may be reduced in more shade.

What kind of tree form does shingle oak have?

Shingle oak grows as a single trunked tree with a broad, rounded to pyramidal canopy, often used as a shade or street tree.

Is Shingle Oak toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Shingle Oak as toxic to livestock.

Is Shingle Oak HOA-friendly?

Shingle Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Shingle Oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Quercus imbricaria

Last reviewed: September 2026

Quercus imbricaria, or shingle oak, is a medium to large shade tree that blooms in April and May and grows well in full sun with medium water once established.

Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Shingle Oak as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

360"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DE, IA and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Shingle oak is a medium to large native tree with glossy, oblong leaves that turn yellow to brown in fall. It grows 30-60 feet tall with a rounded crown and smooth bark, making it an excellent shade tree for larger properties.

Growing Shingle Oak

Grow Shingle Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shingle Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.

Large mature size requires adequate space
Acorn drop may need periodic cleanup

Wildlife value

This oak supports bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. Like other oaks, it provides food for wildlife through its acorns and serves as a host plant for numerous butterfly and moth species.

Common questions

When does shingle oak bloom?: Shingle oak produces small catkins in April and May, typically as the leaves begin to unfurl.
What pollinates shingle oak?: Shingle oak flowers are visited by bees and beetles, though like other oaks it also relies heavily on wind for pollen transfer.
How much water does shingle oak need?: Established shingle oaks handle medium moisture well and can tolerate drier soil once their root systems mature.
What light does shingle oak need to grow well?: Shingle oak grows best in full sun and can also tolerate part sun conditions, though flowering and canopy density may be reduced in more shade.
What kind of tree form does shingle oak have?: Shingle oak grows as a single trunked tree with a broad, rounded to pyramidal canopy, often used as a shade or street tree.
Is Shingle Oak toxic to dogs?: Shingle Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Shingle Oak toxic to cats?: Shingle Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Shingle Oak toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Shingle Oak as toxic to livestock.
Is Shingle Oak HOA-friendly?: Shingle Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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