Bur Oak
Deciduous tree growing 20-30 m tall with a broad, rounded crown. Features variable, deeply lobed leaves and large acorns with fringed cups. Adaptable to various soil conditions and full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Important food source for wildlife. Fire-resistant bark. Suitable for large landscapes, parks, and savanna restorations. Native to central and eastern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Yellow-green (catkins)
Bloom Time: Spring
Sun Requirements: Sun
Moisture: Dry to Moist
Phenology: Leaves emerge mid-May. Male catkins appear with leaves. Large fringed acorns mature in one season, dropping September-October. Yellow-brown fall color develops October.
Wildlife Value: Essential wildlife tree; large acorns important for deer, turkey, and squirrels; crucial nesting habitat; hosts numerous beneficial insects
Habit Over Time: Creates a broad, spreading crown with thick, often twisted branches that provide strong winter interest. The canopy cast moderate shade that allows for understory planting. While it produces large acorns that may sprout, it does not spread vegetatively. The branch structure becomes increasingly sculptural with age.
Height: Tall (70-80 feet)