Overview & Description

The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a true monarch of the prairie, a rugged native tree celebrated for its strength, endurance, and majestic, open-branched canopy that casts dappled shade. Its distinctive leathery leaves feature deep, wavy lobes and turn rich amber in autumn. With age, it develops two remarkable features: plated, corky bark that becomes deeply furrowed, and substantial acorns with fringed caps—the largest of all native oaks. This long-lived tree can survive for over 300 years.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a broad, rounded to spreading growth habit with a massive trunk. It is a slow to moderate-growing tree, typically reaching a mature size of about 60 to 80 feet in height with an equal spread. Its deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant once established.

Additional Notes

It blooms in spring with inconspicuous catkins. Exceptionally hardy to Zone 3, it is unmatched in adaptability, thriving in drought, urban conditions, and poor, dry, alkaline, or clay soils. It is resistant to oak wilt when properly pruned. An outstanding choice for grand specimens, street trees, park plantings, wildlife habitat, and windbreaks.