Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Fagaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
Bur Oak is a massive, drought-tolerant oak distinguished by its large acorns with fringed caps. In Buffalo, it's found in parks and open areas where its wide-spreading branches have room to develop. This prairie-edge species is extremely hardy and long-lived.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
deeply lobed with fiddle shape, wider at top
Height
70-80 feet
Bark
deeply furrowed gray-brown bark
Fruit
largest acorns of North American oaks with fringed cap
Identification Tips
- • Leaves often have deep sinus creating fiddle shape
- • Huge acorns with fringed, mossy cap
- • Thick, fire-resistant bark
- • Wide-spreading crown
- • Cork-like twigs
Seasonal Changes
Spring
Late to leaf out with yellowish-green new growth
Summer
Large leaves provide dense shade
Fall
Yellow to brown fall color
Winter
Massive branches create impressive silhouette
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Soil Preference
adaptable, dry to moist, alkaline tolerant
Sun Requirements
full sun
Image Gallery
Leaves
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0
Winter
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0