Images Depict Mature Plants
Bur Oak Tree
Quercus macrocarpa
Bur Oak is a legacy tree. I would not use it where space is tight, but if you have the room, it is one of the best native oaks for long-term shade, wildlife, and toughness. The big mossy-capped acorns are part of its character, and the tree only gets better with age. Plant it in full sun, water it well while young, and give it room to become the kind of tree people remember.
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A Majestic Native Oak Tree for Shade, Wildlife, and Long-Term Landscapes
A Long-Lived Native Oak with Massive Shade Potential
Bur Oak Tree is a majestic native shade tree known for its rugged character, broad canopy, long life, and exceptional wildlife value. Also called Burr Oak or Mossycup Oak, this large deciduous oak is a member of the white oak group and is one of the most impressive native trees for spacious landscapes.
With age, Bur Oak develops a strong trunk, heavy branches, deeply furrowed bark, and a broad, rounded crown. It is best planted where it has room to mature into a legacy tree. Use it in large yards, parks, open lawns, naturalized areas, farm landscapes, and wildlife plantings where shade, structure, and ecological value are priorities.
Large Mossy-Capped Acorns for Wildlife
Bur Oak is famous for its large acorns with fringed, mossy-looking caps. These distinctive acorns give the tree its common names, Mossycup Oak and Bur Oak, and make it easy to distinguish from many other oak species.
The acorns are valuable food for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, deer, and other mammals. As a member of the white oak group, Bur Oak supports a broad range of wildlife relationships and is especially useful in native plantings, habitat gardens, and large landscapes where acorn production is welcome.
Rugged, Cold Hardy, and Drought Tolerant Once Established
Bur Oak is one of the toughest large shade trees for challenging climates. It is cold-hardy, long-lived, and drought-tolerant once established. It is also known for tolerating a wider range of soils than many oaks, including clay, dry upland sites, and alkaline or lime-influenced soils.
Young trees need regular watering while roots develop, but established Bur Oaks are built for endurance. Their rugged adaptability makes them a strong choice for homeowners who want a native tree with long-term resilience rather than quick, short-lived shade.
Best for Large Yards, Parks, and Open Landscapes
Bur Oak should be planted where space is generous. This is not a tree for narrow planting strips, small foundation beds, patios, or directly beneath overhead utility lines. Mature trees can reach substantial heights and spreads, and their root systems need room to develop.
In the right setting, Bur Oak becomes a dominant shade tree and a defining feature of the landscape. Plant it as a specimen tree, lawn tree, park tree, wildlife tree, windbreak component, or native restoration tree. Its slow-to-moderate growth is balanced by exceptional longevity and strength.
Easy Care with Room, Sun, and Smart Establishment
Plant Bur Oak in full sun with well-drained to moderately moist soil. It adapts to many soil types, but young trees establish best with consistent watering, mulch, and protection from mower or string-trimmer damage.
Prune young trees during dormancy to develop a strong central structure and remove dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly attached branches. Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning on mature trees. Once established, Bur Oak becomes a durable, low-maintenance native shade tree for generations.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 60 to 80 feet |
| Mature Width: | 60 to 80 feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Soil | Adaptable; tolerates clay, dry soil, alkaline/lime soils, and average well-drained soils |
| Water | Water regularly after planting; drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Time / Color | Spring; yellow-green catkins and small inconspicuous flowers |
| Ornamental Features | Massive trunk, broad canopy, deeply furrowed bark, large mossy-capped acorns, native character |
| Wildlife Value | Acorns feed birds and mammals; native oak supports high wildlife and habitat value |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Cold hardy; drought tolerant once established; adaptable to tough soils; long lived |
| Landscape Uses | Large shade tree, specimen oak, wildlife tree, park tree, large lawn tree, native planting, restoration planting, windbreak component, open-space tree |
How to Care for Bur Oak Tree
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Bur Oak Tree for years to come!
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How should I plant Bur Oak Tree?
Plant Bur Oak Tree in full sun with plenty of room for mature height, canopy spread, and root development. Choose a large open site away from overhead wires, buildings, sidewalks, driveways, septic systems, and tight landscape beds. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the root flare slightly above the surrounding soil line, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly. Apply mulch over the root zone, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.
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How often should I water Bur Oak Tree after planting?
Water Bur Oak deeply after planting, then keep the root zone evenly moist while the tree establishes. During the first growing season, water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather. Once established, Bur Oak is drought tolerant and can handle dry periods better than many shade trees. Deep watering during extended drought can still help protect young or recently planted trees while they develop a stronger root system.
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When should I fertilize Bur Oak Tree?
Fertilize Bur Oak in early spring only if growth is weak or soil fertility is low. In most average landscapes, this native oak does not need regular fertilizer once established. Avoid heavy high-nitrogen fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can encourage soft growth and does not replace proper siting, watering, mulch, and root protection. A soil test is the best guide if nutrient issues are suspected.
When and how should I prune Bur Oak Tree?
Prune Bur Oak during dormancy in late fall, winter, or early spring. Young trees benefit from structural pruning to develop a strong central leader, good branch spacing, and a durable canopy. Remove dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly attached branches. Avoid heavy pruning during active growth, and do not remove large amounts of canopy at one time. Mature Bur Oaks should be pruned only as needed by a qualified tree-care professional.
