Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
The scientific name lyrata refers to the leaves resembling an ancient musical instrument called a lyre, and the common name refers to the acorn’s cap, or cup that almost completely covers the seed. Overcups have unique traits allowing them to survive and thrive in swampy areas.
The acorn’s shell (a.k.a. pericarp) is thick and fleshy allowing it to float to higher ground and a better chance of survival. This adaptation also provides an easy access meal for deer and others because the acorns accumulate by the thousands along logs, banks, stumps and such. The acorns are usually not preferred unless flooding covers up other acorns, or the other acorns have been eaten.
This is a good thing because overcup will supply a readily available food source when the waters come up or other food sources are hard to come by. The ease of establishment, scaly bark, and unique foliage also make overcup a great tree for planting in the yard.
|
Type: Zone: |
White Oak section 6 - 9 |
| Soil pH: | 4.5 - 6.0 |
| Mature Height: | 80' |
| Wildlife Value: | Deer, turkey, waterfowl, wild hogs, other small woodland game. |
| Site Preference: | Can withstand heavy flooding and usually found in poorly drained to wet soils, however can thrive in well drained soils. |
| Nut Maturity Date: | November |
Customer Reviews
Love these hardy Overcup Oaks! This is my second order - the previous order was 8 years ago and they are 12-14 feet tall and produced their first nuts at 6 years. Here in Vermont I have a lot of bottom land with field to transitional wetland and they tolerate seasonal wetness really well. This second batch is 3+ feet tall and all arrived in great condition and doing well. I also like that they tolerate our winters well and drop their nuts later in the fall than my red and other white oaks so I can extend acorn availability for my local deer herd.
I am very well pleased with not just the Overcup Oak, but all the oak trees that I purchased from Mossy Oak Native Nurseries. The Staff offered great advice and they were very helpful.
It took 5 days to receive the 10 oak saplings. I planted them the next day in a swampy area. I also put on tree protectors to protect against deer. I hope the sudden change in temperature from Mississippi to Pennsylvania doesn't kill them. I will have a better idea in 6 months. The saplings looked fresh on arrival.. Thank you, John
Very high quality seedlings. The price for the container is worth it (especially on smaller applications). Survival is much greater than cheaper bare root hardwood seedlings. They were also packaged really well. I would highly recommend Nativ Nurseries.
Trent M. Harris
Alabama Registered Forester #1713
Was going through the reviews and became so stunned by your ignorance, that I had to reply, somehow.
You… You’re complaining about paying FIVE DOLLARS for a tree sappling?! Not a seedling, or a pack of seeds, but a 2-3 ft tall sappling, with healthy roots, in dormancy, ready to plant. Now, I know, I can’t expect everyone to understand nature on an ecologists level, but… Tyler… Sweety bby honeyyyyyy, you have no idea what is all around you, do you? Your woeful ignorance is evident in the fact that you think you are deserving of a fruit tree or oak tree, for under $5. A native tree. Already grown and prepared. For $5.
What are you going to do when you learn that this is the cheapest price, for the highest quality? What will you do when you learn the soil you need costs $5, too? Time to slap yourself awake, get to reading, learn, and be a better person.
What this nursery is doing for the ecological disaster people like you have caused… You’ll never be able to understand, nor will you do anything to compare to their accomplishments.
Now, please, run along & learn why it is plants don’t come to your door, hand delivered, free of charge.