overcup oak

Quercus lyrata

The overcup oak is a strong tree that loves to grow near water. Its acorns are a tasty treat for many animals, and its big leaves provide shade on hot days.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The overcup oak has distinctive, deeply lobed leaves that are dark green above and silvery white underneath. Its gray-brown bark can be flaky, and its unique acorns are almost entirely covered by a warty, fringed cap, giving it its name.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus

overcup oak

Interesting facts

Early American settlers sometimes used its strong wood to build parts of ships!

Its acorns actually float, helping the tree send its seeds to new places during floods!

The unique 'overcup' name comes from its acorn looking like it's wearing a funny hat!

This mighty oak can grow in swamps where many other trees would simply drown!

Special abilities

The overcup oak can thrive in watery soil because its roots are specially adapted to handle floods and wet conditions.

Its acorn has a cap that nearly covers the whole nut, which might help protect it from some hungry animals.

Overcup oak has incredibly dense and strong wood, making the tree tough and long-lasting against storms.

Measurements & details

Height: 18-30 m
Canopy Spread: 12-18 m
Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 60-90 cm
Lifespan: 100-200 years
Fruit Type: Acorn (Nut)
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Acorns are a favorite food for many forest animals.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer browse on its leaves and young twigs.

shelters

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

Nests and finds insects on its sturdy branches.

eaten by

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

Turkeys gobble up the acorns found on the ground.

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Nut Bearing

Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.

Fall Color

Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.

Timber

Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.