Overcup Oak
OVERCUP OAK
(Quercus lyrata)
Shape a symmetrical, round topped head; up to 100 ft. tall. Branches inclined to droop, rather short. Leaves shiny above, white downy beneath, turning a deep cardinal red in autumn. Range: Swamps and river bottoms, coast plain and piedmont from the Gulf States to s. N. J., and up the Gt. Valley to Neb., Ill., and Ohio. The wood is like that of the White Oak and similarly used. BUR OAK (Quercus macrocarpa) is similar but the leaves broader, 5-8 in. long, maroon in autumn. Branches very wide-spreading; bark light grayish-brown, deeply furrowed. Acorn large, the rim of the cup almost bur-like. N. S. and w. N. E. through N. Y. and w. of the Alleghenies to n. La., e. Tex. and the Rockies. A noble tree once forming park-like groves in the Middle West in which the pioneers easily drove horse and wagon, built their first cabins and pastured their cattle.
Basket Oak
BASKET OAK
(Quercus Prinus)
Shape a round topped, dense head; up to 100 ft. tall. Trunk massive. Bark scaly, light gray. Branches stout, wide spreading. Leaves rather rigid, 4-8 in. long, grayish downy beneath. Range: Gulf States and n. in the Mississippi basin to Mo. and the Wabash R. Along the coast plain and piedmont to Del. This is a most imposing tree in the South. It is used in basketry, for ties and other rough construction. YELLOW CHESTNUT OAK (Quercus Muehlenbergii) is similar, but with a narrow head, narrower leaves, thicker and shorter acorn. Tex. to s. Minn. and through the forest belt of the Middle West and limestone Alleghenies (Ala. to N. Y.) Also down the Potomac and Hudson to tidewater. The glossy foliage and handsome stature make this an impressive tree, especially in the Middle West.
Swamp White Oak