bur oak

Also known as: burr oak; mossy cup oak; mossy-cupped white oak

A large deciduous tree to 25m with green lobed leaves that turn yellow-brown in autumn before falling. The acorns can be large, up to 5cm across and the cup has long hairs in a fringe around the lip

Scientific classification

Species: bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Genus: Quercus
Family: Fagaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Information to be completed
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

bur oak pictures

Distribution of bur oak

Distribution map

North America

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of bur oak

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bur oak care guide

Deep infrequent watering mature trees, regular hydration young saplings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep infrequent watering mature trees, regular hydration young saplings

Fertilizing

Balanced oak tree feed applied once each year in early spring growth

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or by sowing seed soon after it drops. For more advice see propagating from seed (tree/shrub

Growing

Suited to large gardens and parkland. Grow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light as long as it isn't too acidic. For more advice see tree cultivation

More growing and care information →