Wood: The shingle oak is relatively unimportant as a timber tree, with no distinctive uses today. The word "imbricaria" is Latin for "overlapping," and the common name originated when the early settlers in Illinois used the wood for shingles and shakes because it was easy to split. The wood is similar to that of red oak and is not distinguished from that species when sold.
Wildlife: Although the kernel is bitter, it is an important food source for various wildlife species such as turkeys, deer, squirrels, quail and waterfowl.
Horticulture: Because it transplants more easily than most oaks and is reasonably tolerant of urban conditions, the shingle oak deserves to be planted more widely in southern Iowa. The dark green leaves and the symmetrical shape make it an ideal street or lawn tree, although, like most oaks, it is a rather slow grower. It makes a good hedge plant because it responds well to pruning and retains its leaves throughout the winter.
