Habitat: The shingle oak adapts to a wider range of conditions than most native oaks. This species, although normally considered a lowland tree, may occur on various sites from rich, moist river banks to dry, upland ridges. Because it is intolerant of shading, it is characteristic of subclimax forests rather than fully developed forests. Although hardy from zone 4 to 8, it does not do well in zone 8. This species is reliably hardy only in the southern half of Iowa and is common on the strip-mined soils of the southeastern part of the state.
Diseases: The shingle oak suffers from most diseases and pests common to oaks. Shingle and pin oaks are especially sensitive to alkaline soils, which can cause iron chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves), a condition noticeable in some of the smaller shingle oaks along Stange Road.
Distribution: This species occurs across the southern third of Iowa, but is common only in the eastern part of this range. It is native to central and eastern US, from Pennsylvania to northeastern Alabama, and as far west as Arkansas and Nebraska. It is one of the most abundant oaks of the lower Ohio Valley.
