SCIENTIFIC NAME: Quercus lyrata

COMMON NAME: Overcup Oak

GARDEN SIZE: 40–60 ft. tall x 40–60 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5–9

EXPOSURE: Full sun; tolerates some part shade but not full shade

WATER & SOIL: Medium to wet; tolerates poorly drained, wet, acidic soils and occasional flooding

HABIT (FORM): Medium-sized deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown and a straight trunk

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; deep green leaves (6–10" long) with fuzzy white undersides; 5–9 rounded lobes; fall color ranges from yellow-brown to orange and red

FLOWERS: Insignificant; yellow male catkins (4–6" long) and short, few-flowered reddish female spikes

BLOOM TIME: March to April

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to Central and Southern United States, including lowlands and floodplain forests

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Provides acorns for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer; valuable for habitat and cover. Oaks are one of the most important, if not the most important, host plants for local insects.

FERTILIZING: Fertilizer not recommended. If desired, you may top dress with no more than 1 inch of organic compost per season.

PRUNING: Prune in late winter to maintain structure and remove dead or damaged branches

USES: Shade tree; well-suited for low-lying areas, floodplains, and swampy regions