Bur Oak

General
Scientific Name: Quercus macrocarpa
Family: Fagaceae (Beech)
Hardiness: Zone 2
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Tree
Growth
Rate: Medium
Mature Height: >45’
Longevity: Long
Power Line: No
Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Large nut
Fall Color: Yellow

A large long-lived tree on good sites, with stout limbs forming a broad crown at maturity. Scrubby individuals can be found on very dry sites. Native throughout all but the northwest corner of the state. Difficult to transplant because of a deep taproot. Bur oak is also called mossycup oak. Once established trees grow one to two feet per year on favorable sites. The largest tree in North Dakota is 85 feet tall with a canopy spread of 61 feet.

Light: Full sun.
Water: Prefers moist, well drained soils.
Soil: Adaptable to many soil types.

A large tree, probably too big for the average home landscape. However it makes a great park or large area tree.

One of the most majestic of the large oaks, bur oak is fairly slow growing when young, but growth rate increases after establishment. Acorns very valuable for a number of wildlife species. Has a long lifespan.