Overcup Oak
Quercus lyrata
Dimensions:
Height: 60’ - 80’
Mature spread: 35’ - 50’
Trunk Diameter: 2’ - 3’
Habitat and Range:
a tree of the swamps, wetlands and floodplains
restricted to western half of Kentucky
flood and drought resistant
Features:
acorn almost completely covered by its knobby cup, which floats to allow seed dispersion
provides habitat for variety of butterflies
lives up to 400 years
History:
strong wood, but most Overcup oaks have been logged
the scientific name “lyrata” was given due to its leaves’ resemblance to a lyre, an ancient instrument
Pioneers ground cooked acorns into a powder to thicken stew, and used roasted acorns for a coffee substitute
