Overcup Oak

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) is a species of oak in the White Oak Group.

It favors bottomland forests and is tolerant of wet, clay soils. This oak is identified by the cup, which often completely encloses the acorn.

It is found mainly in the southeastern United States, extending north along the Mississippi River into southern Illinois. Arkansas is the northwestern range limit for the species.

Closeup of the acorn in its cup

Maturing acorns still on the tree in mid October

Article and photographs by ANPS member Eric Hunt

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