Focus on a Native

Bur Oak

by CMG Betty J

Bur Oak

Bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa, is a large, deciduous native oak found in the eastern half of the USA including the Edwards Plateau in the Hill Country.  This member of the Beech family of trees grows to 80 feet tall with a trunk diameter up to four feet. The trunk is usually straight up to the top with branches forming a broad crown.  The gray bark is deeply furrowed into scaly ridges. Bur Oaks are also known as Mossycup Oaks or Blue Oaks.

Bur Oaks are one of the easiest oak trees to identify due to their very large leaves and acorns. The shiny green leaves are 5”– 12” with 7 – 9 lobes, are not toothed, and grow in clusters near the ends of the stems. The acorns are ½” – 2” with the top portion encased by a scaly, deep cap. 

Bur Oaks grow in dry uplands on limestone ridges, on sandy plains and moist flood plains.  The species is more than 200 years old.  They are drought tolerant, easy to grow, and are frequently planted in municipal landscapes. Bur Oaks are susceptible to oak wilt.

Bark

Lobed Leaves

Acorns