Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Also listed as Cerris macrocarpa
Also known as Burr Oak, Mossy-cup Oak, Prairie Oak
Climate Match for your location
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A large, slow-growing native oak with deeply lobed leaves and distinctive large acorns with fringed caps. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established, providing fall color and wildlife value.
Why grow it
Bur oak tolerates drier sites and more compacted soils than many other native oaks, making it useful where water conservation matters or where red and white oak groups struggle. It matures into a substantial canopy tree with reliable wildlife value through acorns and insect habitat. While slower to establish than some alternatives, its longevity and low maintenance once rooted suit long-term permaculture planning.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first few years despite eventual drought tolerance, so plan irrigation support during establishment. The large acorns and heavy seed production can create management considerations in smaller spaces, and the tree's eventual size (60 to 80 feet) requires adequate clearance from structures and utilities.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern and central North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A large, slow-growing native oak with deeply lobed leaves and distinctive large acorns with fringed caps. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established, providing fall color and wildlife value.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bur Oak grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bur oak tolerates drier sites and more compacted soils than many other native oaks, making it useful where water conservation matters or where red and white oak groups struggle. It matures into a substantial canopy tree with reliable wildlife value through acorns and insect habitat. While slower to establish than some alternatives, its longevity and low maintenance once rooted suit long-term permaculture planning.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during their first few years despite eventual drought tolerance, so plan irrigation support during establishment. The large acorns and heavy seed production can create management considerations in smaller spaces, and the tree's eventual size (60 to 80 feet) requires adequate clearance from structures and utilities.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern and central North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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