overcup oak

Quercus lyrata is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree, growing as tall as 47 meters (154 feet), with an average height of 24 m (79 ft). The trunk averages up to 80 centimetres (31 inches) in diameter, or rarely to 140 cm (55 in). It is a slow-growing tree that often takes 25 to 30 years to mature. Quercus lyrata has simple leaves that are alternately arranged. On average, the leaves are 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) inches long. They are broad, deeply lobed, and somewhat lyre-shaped (lyrate). Leaves have a leathery feel. They are dark green and shiny on the top while the underside is a paler gray-green with fine hairs. In autumn, leaf color varies between red, yellow, and brown. Like other oak trees, the overcup oak has clustered terminal buds. The bark is light to dark gray in color with irregular bark plates. Its bark plates are deeply ridged and furrowed. Quercus lyrata has male and female flowers. The male flowers, often brown or yellow in color, form in a drooping, elongated cluster. Female flowers appear as individual reddish spikes with surrounding leaves. The fruit is an acorn. They are generally oval or oblong in shape, ranging from 13 to 25 millimetres (1⁄2 to 1 in) in length. The acorn contributes to the overcup oak's common name. The acorns are almost entirely covered by their cup, hence the name overcup. The cup has gray, pubescent scales. …

Quercus lyrata has an extensive range that extends across the central and eastern United States. It is in all the coastal states from New Jersey to Texas, inland as far as Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois. It is found in small populations in the states of Delaware, Tennessee, Maryland, and Alabama. There are historical reports of it growing in Iowa, but the species appears to have been extirpated there. The overcup oak is also considered to be endangered in New Jersey. The species is most often found along floodplains, wetlands, and swamps. It prefers clay type soils, generally low lying clay or silty clay. It has adapted to survive in areas that are poorly drained and have large amounts of flooding. It can withstand continuous flooding for two or more growing seasons.

The overcup oak is one of the dominant species within an oak–water hickory forest and can often be associated with Quercus phellos (willow oak), Ulmus americana (American elm), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (green ash), Carya aquatica (water hickory), and Acer rubrum (red maple). Q. lyrata is not considered a dominant species in many other types of forest ecosystems. The species is known to provide both food and habitat to a range of wildlife. Its acorns can be eaten by small mammals and birds such as squirrels and wild turkeys. The tree is considered to be somewhat deer-resistant, however, white-tail deer also eat its acorns. It also helps provide canopy cover and habitat for many species. Like many oaks, Q. Lyrata provides habitat to a variety of Lepidoptera including Eacles imperialis (imperial moth), Satyrium calanus (Banded Hairstreak), Satyrium edwardsii (Edward's Hairstreak), Strymon melinus (Gray hairstreak), Parrhasius m-album (White M Hairstreak), Erynnis horatius (Horace's Duskywing ), and Erynnis juvenalis (Juvenal's Duskywing).

Threats. Pests that impact Q. lyrata include Bucculatrix ainsliella (oak skeletonizer), Corythucha arcuata (oak lace bug), Curculio nucum (nut weevil), and Leaf miners. Like many other oaks, Q. lyrata is susceptible to a high number of plant diseases such as chestnut blight, armillaria root rot, oak leaf blister, and powdery mildew. …

The wood is considered less valuable than that of other white oaks. This is due to its relatively high susceptibility to injury and disease. However, it can be used for lumber and cooperage. It is not often used to make quality products such as furniture. It can be used as firewood. Its acorns are eaten by birds and mammals, but are a low severity poison to humans. The tree can also be planted as an ornamental.