A.k.a. mossycup oak. An oak grand in both size and wildlife support. Their large, less bitter acorns are of high value to a plethora of animals, and hundreds of insects host on various parts of the tree, including multiple hairstreak and duskywing butterflies. The acorns are the largest in North America, and among the most efficient to process for human consumption.

Pollination: 2+ individuals needed.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic

Soil Type: Adaptable 

Height: 80’-120’

Width: 60’-80’

Bloom Color: -

Bloom Time: Mar-May

Fruit: Large acorns mature in fall.

Fall Color: Brown, Yellow

Root Type: Taproot

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Hosts several hairstreak and duskywing butterfly species, several hundred moth species, many longhorn beetles, many leafhoppers, weevils, walkingsticks, and perhaps too many smaller insects to know. The abundance of insects feeds birds, many of which will also eat the acorns. Feeds a plethora of birds and mammals. Large size provides canopy habitat, and older trees provide hollows. Commonly browsed by mammals.

Notes: Trees are fire resistant, and have been know to colonize even prairies maintained by fire. Slow growing, but long lived- 400 years is not undue. Nuts are so favored by wildlife that they may all be eaten before they fall from the tree.