Leaf Identification

The leaves of the Overcup Oak are dark green, alternately arranged on the stem, simple (no compound leaflets), and have 7-11 blunt-tipped lobes with deep sinuses between the lobes. Typically, the first couple lobe pairs are much shorter, and the third pair of lobes are by far the widest, then shortening again at the leaf tip. This leads to the leaf having a kite-shaped outline. The leaves turn orange-red in fall.

Twig and Bud Identification

The twig matures from olive green to light brown, with light lenticels (pores) when younger. There are multiple terminal buds on the twig, which are golden brown and many-scaled.

Bark Identification

The bark is light gray-tan, with flaky vertical scales.

Fruit Identification

The fruit of the Overcup Oak is an acorn measuring 1/2″-1″ in diameter. The acorn can be identified by its extremely large cup, covering more of the acorn than any other oak. It is covered in thin scales. The acorns mature in fall.

Flower Identification

Like all oaks, the Overcup Oak is monoecious, with separate male and female flowers. The male flowers are in hanging yellow catkins (long, thin cluster of flowers), and the females are inconspicuous and red, in small clusters. The flowers bloom in early spring.

Oak ID Tips

  • Compared to the Bur Oak, which is another white oak with a large-cupped acorn, the Overcup Oak has smaller acorns, and slightly smaller leaves. The acorns of the Overcup Oak do not have hairs along the cup fringe, while the Bur Oak does. Both oaks also have unique leaf shapes.