Alternate name: Laurel Oak
Family: Fagaceae, Beech view all from this family
Description A handsome tree with a symmetrical, conical to rounded crown.
Height: 50-60' (15-18 m).
Diameter: 1-2' (0.3-0.6 m).
Leaves: 3-6" (7.5-15 cm) long, 3/4-2" (2-5 cm) wide. Oblong or lance-shaped, short-pointed or rounded at ends; bristle-tipped; edges straight or slightly wavy and turned under. Shiny dark green above; midvein yellow, light gray-green and with soft hairs beneath; turning yellow or reddish-brown in fall, often shedding late.
Bark: brown to gray; smooth, becoming rough and furrowed into scaly ridges.
Acorns: 1/2-5/8" (12-15 mm) long; nearly round, 1/3-1/2 enclosed by deep cup of blunt hairy scales; becoming brown; 1-2 on stout stalks; maturing second year.
Habitat Moist soils along streams and in uplands; scattered with Post and Black oaks.
Range Pennsylvania south to North Carolina, west to Arkansas, and north to S. Iowa and S. Michigan; local in Louisiana and Alabama; to 2000' (610 m).
Discussion The Latin species name, meaning "overlapping," and the common name both refer to use of the wood for shingles by the pioneers, a practice continued today. An ornamental and shade tree, it is also suitable for hedges, screens, and windbreaks.
