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Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest, Savanna / Woodland, Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High, Wet
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

70 to
80
feet

Spread:

70 to
80
feet
Size
Height: 70 to
80
feet
Spread: 70 to
80
feet
Size
Height: 70 to
80
feet
Spread: 70 to
80
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Use as a regal specimen tree in large areas such as parks or big public spaces.
Establishment and Care Instructions
May be hard to transplant, but once established, it will grow in a variety of soil conditions in full sun. Young seedlings transplant easily in Feb. - March. Protect small trees from deer racking.
Special Features
Special Usage
Rainscaping
Basic Description

A moderate-to-fast-growing, long-lived tree with the largest leaves and acorns of all the oaks. Leaves turn brown or light yellow in the fall. Trees are weakly pyramidal when young then develop a massive trunk and broad crown with strong branches. Red-banded hairstreak butterfly caterpillars feed on decaying sumac leaves and oak litter, and oaks provide food and shelter to a wide range of wildlife.

Bur Oak in winter, Photo by Bruce Schuette

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