Oak, OvercupQuercus lyrata
An important tree in difficult urban landscaping situations with uniform branching forming a rounded shape with an open crown. The Overcup Oak has brilliant reddish or gray brown bark and displays leathery dark green leaves in summer. Fall color is a rich yellow-brown. Easy to transplant and tolerates most soil conditions and partial shade to full sun. Grows 45'-70' with a 45' spread. (Zones 5-9)
Zones 5 - 9
The Overcup Oak can be expected to grow in the zones shown in color in the arborday.org zone map. (see map below)
Shade Tree
The Overcup Oak falls into the following type(s): Shade Trees
45' - 70' High
The Overcup Oak grows to be 45' - 70' feet in height.
35' - 50' Spread
The Overcup Oak has a spread of about 35' - 50' at full maturity.
Medium Growth
This tree grows at a medium growth rate. [More about this.]
Full Sun
This oak does well in full sun, partial shade.
Various Soils
The Overcup Oak grows in acidic, loamy, sandy, well drained, wet, clay soils.
Oval Shape
This oak has oval, rounded shape.
More Info
The Overcup Oak can be expected to grow in the zones shown on this map.
Attributes:
The Overcup Oak tree is a long-lived, very sturdy shade tree that will thrive in a wide variety of soil conditions. Long overlooked by growers, the tree is just starting to be more popular and thus more readily available for home landscapes.
Description:
An important tree in difficult urban landscaping situations with uniform branching forming a rounded shape with an open crown. The Overcup Oak has brilliant reddish or gray brown bark and displays leathery dark green leaves in summer. Fall color is a rich yellow-brown. Easy to transplant and tolerates most soil conditions and partial shade to full sun. Grows 45'-70' with a 45' spread. (Zones 5-9)
Wildlife Value:
Overcup oak acorns are at the top of the food preference list for squirrels and smaller rodents as well as larger animals such as wild turkeys, hogs and whitetail deer.
History/Lore/Use:
This is a native tree found in the swampland of the Atlantic coast. The first scientific observations concerning the species were made in 1786. The Overcup Oak, so named for its acorn cap that covers almost the entire fruit, was heavily logged for its strong wood. Where found in protected forests, the tree appears to thrive in low-lands and swampy areas, but has been grown successfully in arid regions and in a wide range of soil conditions, making it an excellent urban street tree.
Moisture:
Can withstand wet soil conditions, but will do better in well-drained areas.
Leaves:
The leaves alternate, simple, obviate-oblong, 6 to 8 inches long. Dark green top with white underside.
Flower Color:
Brown, faded flower color. Not noteworthy.
Bloom Time:
April-May..
Fruit Description:
The fruit is round, 3/4 inch to 1" diameter, the cap almost completely covers the nut.