Life History and Disturbance Response of Quercus lyrata (Overcup Oak)
Family: Fagaceae
Guild: persistent, large-seeded, advance growth dependent
Functional Lifeform: medium sized deciduous tree
Ecological Role: Primarily a bottom land tree, overcup oak is tolerant of flooding and grows slowly on poorly drained swamplands and flood plains. It is a dominant species of the Overcup Oak-Water Hickory forest cover type.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 300/400
Shade Tolerance: intermediate intolerant
Height, m: 18-27m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: wind
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 25-30
Mast Frequency, yrs: 3-4yrs
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: yes
Seedfall Begins: fall
Seed Banking: no
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: nut/50m/gravity
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: taproot which soon develops into a shallow lateral system
Sprouting: stumps of small trees will sprout but not consistently
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: most dominant on clayey sites but will germinate and grow better on sites with better soil texture
Light: variable
Moisture: moist to wet
Temperature:
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Successful regeneration of overcup oak depends on complete absence of fire and adequate seed. Often shows a rapid decay in the heartwood following fire damage.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: