# 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. - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![overcup oak](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/VSU_Quad_Tree_26.JPG&width=800) Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VSU_Quad_Tree_26.JPG) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Fagales - **Family:** Fagaceae - **Genus:** Quercus ## 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 - **Flood Fighter:** The overcup oak can thrive in watery soil because its roots are specially adapted to handle floods and wet conditions. - **Acorn Armor:** Its acorn has a cap that nearly covers the whole nut, which might help protect it from some hungry animals. - **Strongheart Wood:** Overcup oak has incredibly dense and strong wood, making the tree tough and long-lasting against storms. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 18-30 m - **Spread:** 12-18 m - **Edible:** Yes - **Size:** 60-90 cm - **Lifespan:** 100-200 years - **Fruit Type:** Acorn (Nut) - **Growth Rate:** Medium - **Leaf Type:** Deciduous ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Gray Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-gray-squirrel) (*Sciurus carolinensis*) — Acorns are a favorite food for many forest animals. - **Eaten by:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Deer browse on its leaves and young twigs. - **Shelter:** [Downy Woodpecker](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Nut Bearing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Timber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/timber): Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Stay safe by not climbing too high in trees. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify overcup oak? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is overcup oak? 18-30 m ### How wide does overcup oak spread? 12-18 m ### Is overcup oak edible? Yes ### How big is overcup oak? 60-90 cm ### How long does overcup oak live? 100-200 years ### Where is overcup oak usually found? Wetlands ### What kind of fruit does overcup oak produce? Acorn (Nut) ## Where to spot - [Patterson Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/patterson-park) — Maryland, US · Botanical Garden - [Tockwotton-Love Place Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tockwotton-love-place-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District - [Coker Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/coker-arboretum-north-carolina) — North Carolina, US · Zoo - [Thomasville Commercial Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/thomasville-commercial-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District [View all places to see overcup oak](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/overcup-oak) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Overcup Oak: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/overcup-oak)