Quercus imbricaria commonly known as shingle oak and laurel oak is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It reaches a height of 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 meters) and a canopy spread of 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters). The bark on older trees is a light gray or brown and is deeply furrowed, while the bark on younger trees is smooth and light brown or gray.
The leaves are simple, elliptical, and entire, with a glossy green upper surface and a pale green to yellowish-green lower surface. They are 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) long and 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide. The leaves turn yellow, brown, or red in the fall.
The flowers are male and female, catkins, and are produced on separate trees. The male flowers are yellow-green and are about 2 inches (5 cm) long. The female flowers are green and are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The fruit is an acorn that is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and is enclosed in a cupule. The acorns ripen in the fall and are eaten by a variety of animals, including squirrels, raccoons, and deer.
Quercus imbricaria is a valuable tree for wildlife. It provides food and shelter for a variety of animals. It is also a good source of nectar for pollinators. The wood of Quercus imbricaria is used for a variety of purposes, including furniture, flooring, and construction.
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