Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

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Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) leaves

Overcup Oak is an uncommon overstory tree of wet areas and is often found growing in shallow water.

Leaves are somewhat similar to White Oak (Quercus alba), but have a narrow section midway or towards the base, like the neck of a lyre (hence the name lyrata).

Durham Co., NC 5/23/2012.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) leaf underside

Leaf undersides are yellowish-green.

Durham Co., NC 5/23/2012.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) leaves

Durham Co., NC 5/23/2012.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Durham Co., NC 5/3/08.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Pender Co., NC 4/19/08.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) acorn

The cup of the acorn almost completely encloses the acorn, giving it its common name.

Chatham Co., NC 9/16/06.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) bark

Bark of a small-medium sized tree.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) bark

Bark of a large tree.

Robeson Co., NC 5/29/08.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) bark

Durham Co., NC 5/23/2012.

hybrid Quercus alba x Quercus lyrata

This large tree is an apparent hybrid Quercus alba x Quercus lyrata.

Durham Co., NC 10/16/2008.

Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)

Acorn of hybrid Quercus alba x Quercus lyrata.

Durham Co., NC 10/12/08.

hybrid Quercus alba x Quercus lyrata

Acorn of hybrid Quercus alba x Quercus lyrata.

Durham Co., NC 10/16/2008.

hybrid Quercus alba x Quercus lyrata

Bark of Quercus alba x Quercus lyrata.

Durham Co., NC 10/16/2008.

More information:
NC State fact sheet
Trees of Alabama and the Southeast
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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