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Quercus macrocarpa (Oak, Bur)

Oak, Bur

Oak, Burr

Quercus macrocarpa

Bur Oak (also spelled Burr) is the most cold and drought tolerant of the oaks, able to thriveas far north as Alaska. A white oak, Bur Oak is a slow growing deciduous tree, averaging one foot per season. Naturally forms a wide open crown, growing wider than tall in the landscape, only starting to be taller than wide after reaching heights over 50 feet.


The deeply ridged bar is ash-gray to dark brown in color, with fissures getting deeper with age. Leaves can grow up to nine inches in length, narrow but with deep lobes at the base, becoming much wider at the end.


Bur Oak is monoecious, and blooms right after the leaves appear in the spring; yellow-green male catkins are up to four inches long, while female flowers are green and appear in short single spikes. The largest acorns of the oaks follow shortly thereafter – measuring up to two inches across. They are enclosed in a large cap with overlapping scales and sport an attractive fringe; it looks very much like the bur of a chestnut, giving this oak its name. Avoid planting Bur Oak in parking lots, as the acorns can damage vehicles. 

Shade Tree
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Height

50-90 Feet

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Spread

35-40 Feet


USDA Hardiness Zone 2a

Available Sizes:

Item Description
OAK-BUR-05 #005 OAK, BURR View Current Crop Photo
OAK-BUR-15 #015 OAK, BURR
OAK-BUR-30 #030 OAK, BURR View Current Crop Photo
OAK-BUR-45 #045 OAK, BURR View Current Crop Photo
OAK-BUR-95 #095 OAK, BURR View Current Crop Photo
OAK-BUR-200 #200 OAK, BURR View Current Crop Photo

Characteristics & Attributes

Deer Tolerance
High
Exposure
Full Sun
Habit
Deciduous
Water Needs
Low
Soil pH Preference
Alkaline
Acidic
Texas Native
Yes