Overcup Oak
Arbor walk #56
The overcup oak is native to Missouri and is a member of the white oak family. It is named for its acorn cup that covers the majority of its fruit.
| Common Name | Overcup Oak |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Quercus lyrata |
| Type | Native |
| Diameter | 5 ci |
| Leaf | Dark green, turn to red, 6″ loped and lyre shaped |
| Flower | Inconspicuous flowers and dangling catkins |
| Fruit Characteristics | Acorns, capped nut |
| Bark Characteristics | Silvery grey |
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
Though adaptable to most soils, the overcup oak, a Missouri native, is prevalent in the Southeastern US and in the Mississippi River Valley. In particular, the overcup oak is typically found in lowlands, floodplains, swamps and bayous. The second half of the Latin name, lyrata, means “lyre” which is most likely a reference to the shape of the leaves which are broad at the base and narrower at the tip, similar to the shape of a lyre.