Shingles Live Oak Leaf Litter | Quercus imbricaria

Shingles Oak Leaf Litter on the Surface: Shingles Oak Leaf Litter (Quercus imbricaria) comes from a laurel-leaved oak native to the uplands and river valleys of the Midwestern and Southern regions of North America. The tough, narrow leaves hold their shape for a long time underwater, slowly releasing tannins and polyphenols that contribute a warm red brown tint while helping recreate the natural water chemistry many fishes experience in their native habitats. In botanical method, biotope, and blackwater aquariums, the leaves and small botanical fragments mixed in contribute to the leaf litter matrix that feeds fungi and biofilms at the bottom of the food web while sheltering shrimp, small fishes, and other invertebrates. Essential Details Tannin Level: Medium to high Tint Color: Warm red brown to deep amber over time Durability: Slow to soften; persists for months before fragmenting Habitat Location: Midwestern and Southern North America, especially the lower Ohio and middle Missi