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Shingle oak identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Shingle oak, Quercus imbricaria, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with smooth edges. Unlobed, shiny, leathery leaves 3 to 7 inches long with a single bristle at the tip, fuzzy underneath. Bark: Tight, hard gray-brown bark with broad ridges and very shallow furrows. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify shingle oak
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with smooth edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Unlobed, shiny, leathery leaves 3 to 7 inches long with a single bristle at the tip, fuzzy underneath. |
| Bark | Tight, hard gray-brown bark with broad ridges and very shallow furrows. |
| Fruit | Acorns about 5/8 inch long with a thin bowl cap covering a third to half. |
| Twigs | Slender, shiny olive-green to orange-brown twigs. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 70 feet; lower branches often droop. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is shingle oak native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists shingle oak as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like shingle oak
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Willow oak Quercus phellos | Alternate, simple leaves with smooth edges. Narrow, willow-like leaves 2 to 5 inches long with smooth edges and a bristle at the tip. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other oaks in Pennsylvania
White oak (Quercus alba), Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea), Southern red oak (Quercus falcata), Bear oak (Quercus ilicifolia), Blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica), Swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), Chestnut oak (Quercus montana), Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), Pin oak (Quercus palustris), Northern red oak (Quercus rubra), Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), Post oak (Quercus stellata), Black oak (Quercus velutina), English oak (Quercus robur), Sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima).
Questions
How do you identify shingle oak?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with smooth edges. Unlobed, shiny, leathery leaves 3 to 7 inches long with a single bristle at the tip, fuzzy underneath. Bark: Tight, hard gray-brown bark with broad ridges and very shallow furrows.
Is shingle oak native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists shingle oak as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does shingle oak get?
Up to about 70 feet; lower branches often droop.
How can you tell shingle oak in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender, shiny olive-green to orange-brown twigs. Bark: Tight, hard gray-brown bark with broad ridges and very shallow furrows.
What tree looks like shingle oak?
Willow oak. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Quercus imbricaria fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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