Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa 
Bur oak grows on both upland and lowland sites, but does best on rich, moist soils. The acorns of bur oak, distinguished by the very deep fringed cup, are the largest of all native oaks. Its wood is similar to white oak and is used in the manufacture of watertight barrels.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 85 ft
- Spread
- 85 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 6" - 12" long; 5-9 rounded lobes, broadest above the middle, dark green
- Flowers
- male flowers in yellow-green catkins; female flowers inconspicuous
- Fruit
- acorn, 3/4" - 2" in diameter; with a fringed cap enclosing l/2 to 3/4 of the acorn
- Bark
- light gray-brown, thick, divided into large broken ridges at maturity; branches with corky ridges
- Associated species:
- shagbark and shellbark hickory, hackberry, northern red oak
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, wood products
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover, dens
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Range
