The _leaves_ are of a leathery texture, dark green on the upper surface,
lighter, hairy, and brown-scurfy below. The leaves are wedge-shaped, 4
to 10 inches long and about the same in width. There is a considerable
difference in the leaves of this oak both in size and shape.
The _fruit_ is an acorn about three-quarters of an inch long,
yellow-brown and often striped, enclosed for half its length or more in
a thick light brown cup.
The _wood_ is heavy, hard and strong; when used at all, it is used
mostly for firewood and mine props. It is also used for the manufacture
of charcoal.
+SHINGLE OAK+ _Quercus imbricaria_ Michx.
THIS oak is found throughout the State with the exception of the extreme
north portion. When growing alone, the tree develops a symmetrical
rounded top, conspicuous on account of the good-sized, regular-shaped,
oblong leaves which differ in shape from most other native oaks. It
forms a handsome tree. It is sometimes incorrectly called "laurel" oak.
[Illustration: SHINGLE OAK