Quercus Macrocarpa (Bur oak)
Bur oak description:
Quercus Macrocarpa, commonly known as bur oak, is a large and majestic deciduous tree that is native to North America. At maturity, bur oak can reach up to 100 feet in height and 80 feet in width, with a broadly rounded to irregular crown. Its trunk can grow up to 3 feet in diameter, with deeply furrowed and ridged bark that gives the tree a rugged and distinctive appearance. The leaves of Quercus Macrocarpa are deeply lobed, up to 12 inches long, and have a shiny green upper surface and a pale green lower surface. In the fall, the leaves turn a rich yellow or brown color before dropping from the tree.
Quercus Macrocarpa is a valuable tree for its wood products and timber. Its wood is hard, strong, and resistant to decay, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor applications, such as fence posts, railroad ties, and landscaping structures. Bur oak also has a long lifespan, with some trees living for over 400 years. In addition, the tree provides important habitat and food for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. The acorns produced by Quercus Macrocarpa are a vital food source for many species, and can also be used to produce flour or fermented into a nutritious beverage.
Quercus Macrocarpa is a hardy and adaptable tree that can thrive in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of flooding, making it a valuable species for erosion control and stream bank stabilization. Bur oak is also an important tree for urban forestry, as it is tolerant of compacted soils and air pollution. Overall, Quercus Macrocarpa is a resilient and iconic tree species that provides many benefits to ecosystems and human communities alike.
Native Range:
The native range of Quercus macrocarpa, commonly known as bur oak, extends throughout much of the central and eastern United States. The species is found from central Texas northward to the Dakotas and eastward to the Appalachian Mountains. It is particularly common in the Great Plains region, where it is a dominant tree species in prairie habitats and river valleys. In some areas of its range, such as the Black Hills of South Dakota, bur oak grows in association with other oak species, while in others it is the only oak present. Bur oak can also be found in parts of Canada, including southern Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
Standard Plant Information:
Plant Height: 100'
Bloom time: April - May
Preferred Habitat: Does well in full sun. Found many habitats from forests to prairie