Cene Ketcham is the Extension
Arborist at Casey Trees in
Washington, D.C. He is an
ISA Certified Arborist and Tree
Risk Assessment qualified.
buds are 1/8 to 1/4 inch (.3 to .6 cm) long.
Native to the southeast United States, overcup oak is appropri-
ate for Zones 6 to 9. A bottomland species that withstands reg-
ular inundation, it is perhaps the most flood-tolerant of all the
oaks—perfect for wet sites, sites with heavy clay soil, or other
poorly-drained locations. Consistent with other bottomland
species in the urban setting, it is also fairly drought tolerant,
making it an adaptable and versatile selection. Anecdotal evi-
dence also suggests that it may be less susceptible to bacterial
leaf scorch than many other oak species.
Overcup oak is compact, well-behaved, and susceptible to few
pests and diseases. With its charming acorns and interesting
leaves, overcup oak has features that can be admired by urban
foresters and the general public alike.
— Cene Ketcham, Extension Arborist, Casey Trees
