Quercus lyrata (overcup oak) — Spreading branched

Overview

Quercus lyrata is a spreading branched trees in the genus Quercus, part of the Fagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Quercus lyrata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural.

About

The common name, overcup oak, refers to its acorns that are mostly enclosed within the acorn cup. It is native to lowland wetlands in the eastern and south-central United States, in all the coastal states from New Jersey to Texas, inland as far as Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois. There are historical reports of it growing in Iowa, but the species appears to have been extirpated there. It is a slow-growing tree that often takes 25 to 30 years to mature. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for architectural. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Quercus lyrata

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Quercus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Quercus lyrata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Trees
Habit: Spreading branched
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Architectural

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Quercus lyrata

Propagation: Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Quercus lyrata?

Quercus lyrata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Quercus lyrata need?

Quercus lyrata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.