Overcup Oak 5 Seeds Quercus lyrata

Quercus lyrata, commonly known as the overcup oak, is a large, deciduous tree native to the southeastern and south-central United States, thriving primarily in bottomland hardwood forests, floodplains, and areas with heavy, poorly drained soils. This oak species is well adapted to wet conditions and can often be found in swamps and riverbanks where seasonal flooding occurs. It typically grows 60 to 80 feet tall, with a broad, rounded crown and sturdy branches that provide dense shade. Its leaves are distinctive, deeply lobed, and often lyre-shaped—hence the name lyrata—with a glossy green upper surface that turns shades of yellow-brown in autumn. The bark is light gray to whitish, with scaly ridges that become more pronounced as the tree matures. One of its most recognizable traits is its acorns, which are almost entirely enclosed by their cup, a feature that protects them from being easily eaten by wildlife before they mature and drop. Overcup oak plays an important ecological role by providing food and shelter for a variety of animals, including squirrels, deer, and birds, and is valued in reforestation and wetland restoration projects due to its tolerance for flooding and resilience in difficult soil conditions. In landscapes, it is appreciated as a hardy shade tree capable of withstanding both urban stress and prolonged inundation, making it a versatile species for both natural habitats and cultivated settings.