Bur Oak

Scientific name

Quercus macrocarpa

Description

The Bur Oak is a member of the White Oak family and is the fastest growing Oak species. The Bur Oak is a large, deciduous tree often found growing to heights of 30 m at maturity. This tree features a full, broad spreading crown making it an excellent tree to plant for creating shaded areas. The leaves are simple, closely resembling the leaves of White Oak and are a shiny green colour throughout the spring and summer. Leaves change to a bright yellow-brown during the fall, prior to dropping. During the spring, tiny yellow-green flowers grow on catkins and mature into acorns in a single season, dropping in the fall. The Bur Oak is found in many forest, savanna, and prairie ecosystems with other hardwoods and conifers on a wide range of soils. This species is long-lived, with some trees living up to 300 years old. The root system of this tree is well-branched and deep, making it very drought resistant and an excellent species for land reclamation and restoration applications. Also, the Bur Oak's tolerance to pollution makes it a popular tree for planting in urban areas.

Planting conditions

Plant in full sun to part shade. Prefers medium-textured, moist, and well-drained soils that are over 50 cm deep. Adaptable to acidic and alkaline soils. Not often found on clay soils and not tolerant of flooding.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 30 m
• Spread:
  • 24 m