Overcup Oak
Arbor Walk #56, TreeKeeper ID #2039
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. 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.
The Overcup Oak is a member of the subgenus of white oaks. These oaks are distinguishable from other oaks from their smooth lobe tips (no awns), their hairless leaf undersides, and their lighter, flakier bark. The acorns of white oaks are also less tannic, meaning that they require less processing to become safe and palatable.
| Common Name | Overcup Oak |
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| Latin Name | Quercus lyrata |
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