Quercus macrocarpa
 
Bur Oak

Cupule Bottom

Intersection Highways #9 and #247
23-May-2023

The fruit is a nut borne in a cup-shaped cupule.  The cupule is formed by expansion and fusion of the bracts surrounding the base of the nut. Nuts of genera Quercus and Lithocarpus are called acorns.

Fagaceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora leading to this family. 

shrubs or trees; NOT [herbs]

male flowers, at least, in catkins

flowers with only one floral ring, with sepals but not petals

styles 3 or more; NOT [styles2]

fruit an acorn

seeds without a tuft of hairs