Photo of Quercus lyrata by The Kinsey Family Farm

Photo by The Kinsey Family Farm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Quercus lyrata

Also Known As

  • Overcup Oak
  • Swamp White Oak
  • Water White Oak

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 60'-80'
  • W: 30'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Quercus lyrata plant details

Quercus lyrata is a broadleaf deciduous tree with gold and green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in acidic and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Quercus lyrata

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fagaceae
Foliage: deciduous gold and green
Mature size: 30 FT wide, 60 FT - 80 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Quercus lyrata

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This lovely 40-60' oak gets the name 'Overcup' as the acorn is 2/3 covered by a pretty bur-like cup (trees take 25-30 years to produce the acorns!). This is a beauty of a tree that really stands out from the crowd; native to the bottomlands and swamps of Texas and Florida up and over to Illinois and New Jersey. Featuring long, 6-10" deep-green leaves that have rounded lobes and fuzzy white undersides; makes a handsome shade tree which blazes into yellow, orange, or sometimes scarlet fall color. S/M-W
Quercus lyrata shade tree 60' - 80'. Swamp post oak, water white oak, swamp white oak. Overcup Oak is a long lived tree with a rounded shape, uniform branching and an open crown. The attractive bark is rough and deep ridged, usually in reddish or gray brown colors. Leaves are leathery and dark green in summer, turning a rich yellow brown in fall. The cup of an Overcup Oak acorn almost completely encloses the acorn itself, giving the tree its common name.

Gardening facts about Quercus lyrata plant

How to Grow Quercus lyrata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • gold
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Quercus for your garden

aka Japanese Emperor Oak, Pinnatafida Daimyo Oak, Pinnatafida Emperor Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 12'-20'

Width: 10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Quercus dentata 'Pinnatifida' foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Quercus dentata 'C. F. Miller', C.F. Miller Emperor Oak, Carl Ferris Miller Daimyo Oak, Carl Ferris Miller Emperor Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 25'-35'

Width: 25'-35'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Quercus dentata 'Carl Ferris Miller' foliage by Danger Garden
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aka Concordia English Oak, Concordia Golden English Oak, Concordia Golden Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 15'-30'

Width: 15'-30'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Quercus robur 'Concordia' form by Karl Gercens III
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aka Quercus endresii, Quercus irazuensis

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 60'

Width: 60'-100'

  • sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Quercus costaricensis foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Gambel Oak, Rocky Mountain White Oak

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 30'

Width: 25'

  • sun
  • occasional
  • dry in summer
Photo of Quercus gambelii foliage by Cory Maylett
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More Options

+162 more Quercus
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