Shingle Oak
Quercus imbricaria
Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–60 ft tall and 50–60 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Develops iron chlorosis in our alkaline soils, leaves yellow with green veins, then decline.
low to medium water50–60 ft tall and 50–60 ft wideXeric / water-wise
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Quercus imbricaria
- Variety / cultivar
- Shingle
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–60 ft tall and 50–60 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~60 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryOur alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Shingle Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Shingle Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Shingle Oak only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Our alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it. The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How big does Shingle Oak get?
- It matures to about 50–60 ft tall and 50–60 ft wide.
- How much room does Shingle Oak need?
- Give Shingle Oak about 60 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Shingle Oak grow into?
- Shingle Oak typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Shingle Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- Shingle Oak is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Shingle Oak need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Shingle Oak grow?
- Shingle Oak is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Shingle Oak live?
- Shingle Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Shingle Oak turn in fall?
- Shingle Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Shingle Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Shingle Oak deer-resistant?
- No. Shingle Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Shingle Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Shingle Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
