Bur Oak
Bur oak is a very large, stately shade tree known for its drought tolerance. As a slow-growing member of the white oak family, it develops a broadly rounded crown at maturity. Its medium green, deeply lobed leaves turn yellow, gold, and brown in the fall.
The tree’s main trunk and branches feature corky, deeply furrowed bark, while the twigs have deep ridges, giving them an almost winged appearance. In the fall, it produces large, fringed acorns up to 1.5 inches in size.
Bur oak is more tolerant of alkaline soils than many other oaks and becomes very drought-tolerant once established. Young trees may retain some brown leaves during winter. These attributes make it an excellent choice for a large, long-lived, drought-tolerant shade tree.
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Bur Oak
Bur oak is a very large, stately shade tree known for its drought tolerance. As a slow-growing member of the white oak family, it develops a broadly rounded crown at maturity. Its medium green, deeply lobed leaves turn yellow, gold, and brown in the fall.
The tree’s main trunk and branches feature corky, deeply furrowed bark, while the twigs have deep ridges, giving them an almost winged appearance. In the fall, it produces large, fringed acorns up to 1.5 inches in size.
Bur oak is more tolerant of alkaline soils than many other oaks and becomes very drought-tolerant once established. Young trees may retain some brown leaves during winter. These attributes make it an excellent choice for a large, long-lived, drought-tolerant shade tree.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Quercus macrocarpa
Pronunciation
KWER-kus ma-kro-KAR-pa
Mature Height
50 to 60 ft.
Mature Spread
35 to 45 ft.
Water usage
Water Usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
green-yellow
Bloom time
inconspicuous
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
eastern North America
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 2-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 6,500 ft.
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