Quercus macrocarpa, commonly known as Bur Oak, is a large, stately native oak tree known for its rugged beauty, distinctive oversized acorns, and impressive adaptability. Growing 70 to 80 feet tall with an equally wide, broad-spreading canopy, Bur Oak is ideal for large landscapes, parks, and restoration projects. Its deeply lobed, dark green leaves turn yellow to brown in the fall, providing seasonal interest.

Bur Oak is incredibly resilient, thriving in a wide range of soil types, including dry, sandy, clay, and rocky soils. As a keystone species, it supports over 500 species of caterpillars, providing critical food for songbirds and other wildlife. Its large acorns are a vital food source for deer, turkeys, squirrels, and other animals.

Why Choose Quercus macrocarpa – Bur Oak?

• Massive, majestic shade tree with broad-spreading canopy
• Produces large acorns that feed a variety of wildlife
• Highly adaptable to challenging soil conditions and drought

Cultivating Tips

• Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils but adapts to dry, clay, and rocky soils
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Minimal pruning required; prune in winter to remove dead or damaged branches

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Use as a specimen shade tree in large landscapes, parks, and restoration areas
• Plant in open spaces where its size can be appreciated
• Combine with native understory shrubs and grasses to create a diverse habitat

Ecological Benefits

• Keystone species that supports over 500 species of caterpillars
• Provides shelter, nesting, and food for birds, mammals, and pollinators
• Large acorns serve as critical food for wildlife throughout fall and winter
• Enhances biodiversity and ecosystem health in native landscapes