Shingle oak, Laurel oak
Quercus imbricaria
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 25 m tall. The bark is grey-brown. It is smooth at first but becomes cracked with age. The leaves are oblong or sword shaped and 15 cm long by 7.5 cm wide. They end in a fine point. They do not have teeth along the edge. The leaves are yellow when young but become dark green. They have grey hairs underneath. The male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant. The male flowers are more obvious and are in yellow-green drooping catkins. The fruit is an acorn which is 2 cm long. About one third is enclosed in a cup. The cup is covered with broad hairy scales.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to the central and eastern United States. It grows in rich woods and on riverbanks. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, nut