treeN. America Native

Overcup Oak

Quercus lyrata

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Very long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Acorns are toxic to horses if eaten in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus lyrata is a medium-sized deciduous oak native to the bottomlands and swampy areas of the southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its unique acorns, where the warty cup almost completely encloses the nut, and its excellent tolerance for wet soils. The species' most defining characteristic is its adaptability to poorly drained, clay soils and periodic flooding, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or low-lying areas where other oaks would fail. Its shaggy, gray-brown bark adds winter texture.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Overcup Oak develops into a handsome, rugged shade tree with a broad, rounded crown and interesting scaly bark. Its deeply lobed, dark green leaves turn shades of yellow-brown in the fall, and the unique acorns are a point of interest.

Its primary practical use is in challenging landscape situations with heavy, wet soils where few other large trees will thrive. It is an excellent choice for parks, large properties, and naturalized areas.

As a native oak, it is a keystone species, providing high-value food (acorns) and habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including squirrels, deer, turkeys, and wood ducks. It also hosts hundreds of species of caterpillars, which are critical food for nesting birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location, ideally with moist or occasionally wet soil.
Dig a planting hole that is wide but no deeper than the root ball.
Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is straight.
The root flare should be visible at the soil line.
Backfill with the soil you removed, watering as you go.
Water deeply and apply mulch, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in an open area with full sun where its broad canopy can develop symmetrically without interference from buildings or other trees.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during extended droughts, especially when young.
Allow ample space for its mature size.
Prune in winter to develop a strong structure.
Embrace its tolerance for wet conditions by using it in appropriate sites.

Don't

Do not plant in dry, sandy, or alkaline soils.
Avoid heavy pruning or 'topping' the tree.
Don't compact the soil over the root zone with heavy equipment.
Refrain from fertilizing unless a soil test indicates a deficiency.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable shade tree for wet landscapesKey specimen for rain gardens and bioswalesNaturalistic planting for wildlife habitat restoration

Companion Plants

Nyssa sylvatica Taxodium distichum Betula nigra Cephalanthus occidentalis Acer rubrum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Overcup Oak questions

What zones can Overcup Oak grow in?

Overcup Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Overcup Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Overcup Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Overcup Oak bloom?

Overcup Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Overcup Oak need full sun?

Overcup Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Overcup Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Overcup Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.