Bur Oak

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Quercus macrocarpa Also known as Bur Oak, Burr Oak, Savanna Oak, Overcup Oak, Prairie Oak, Mossy-cup Oak, Mossy-overcup Oak, Blue Oak The Quercus macrocarpa, commonly known as the bur oak or mossycup oak, is a truly majestic tree native to North America, proudly belonging to the white oak group. It's a medium to large-sized deciduous oak that typically reaches heights of 60-80 feet, and on a rare occasion, it can grow up to an impressive 150 feet! With its broad-spreading, rounded crown, this tree surely stands out in any landscape. The unique acorn cups are adorned with a mossy scale or bur near the rim, giving this oak its charming common name. You can find this tree thriving in various habitats across central and eastern North America, particularly flourishing in bottomland soils like those in the beautiful Ohio River valley. In the delightful spring season, the bur oak produces lovely, small, yellowish-green flowers on separate male and female catkins. Its fruits are oval acorns with whimsical fringed, burry cups that extend about 1/2 to 3/4 of the acorn length, making them a vital food source for local wildlife. The leathery, dark green leaves, which can grow 6-12 inches long, feature 5-9 rounded lobes that vary in shape, often showcasing deep central sinuses that extend nearly to the midrib, giving the leaves a unique waisted appearance. While the fall color is a gentle yellow-brown, it still adds a nice touch to the scenery. You might also notice that some twigs are ridged with corky wings, adding to the tree's character. Bur oaks thrive beautifully in dry to medium, well-drained soils and love to bask in full sun. Although they prefer moist, well-drained loams, they are adaptable and can handle various soil conditions, exhibiting excellent drought tolerance. Just a little patience is needed, as it can take up to 35 years for these remarkable trees to produce their first crop of acorns. BONAP MAPHeight: 60’-80’Spread 60’-80’Bloom: AprilLight: Full SunWater: Low-MediumZone: 3-8Origin: Texas, North America Show more