treeN. America Native

Bur Oak

Name: Bur Oak
Brand: Quercus
Availability: InStock

Quercus macrocarpa

$63.59

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

900 inches

Width

900 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

200-400 years

Native To

Central and Eastern North America

Toxicity

Toxic to horses, cattle, and sheep if ingested in quantity

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus macrocarpa is a large, majestic, and long-lived deciduous oak tree with a massive trunk, rugged bark, and a broad, spreading crown. It is known for its distinctive large acorns with a mossy, fringed cap. This species is exceptionally tough and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soils, drought, and urban pollution. Its deeply ridged, corky bark and bold, craggy silhouette provide immense character and winter interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Bur Oak is a tree of immense character, valued for its rugged, picturesque form, deeply furrowed bark, and massive, spreading canopy. It commands attention as a specimen tree, conveying a sense of permanence and strength in the landscape.

Once established, it is an incredibly durable and low-maintenance shade tree, tolerant of urban conditions. Its dense summer canopy provides substantial cooling benefits. The wood is strong and durable, used for flooring, furniture, and barrels.

Bur Oak is a keystone species, supporting hundreds of species of insects, particularly moth and butterfly larvae. Its large acorns are a critical food source for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, turkeys, and blue jays.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun and ample space for its mature size.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is slightly above the surrounding grade.
Backfill with the excavated soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Apply a wide ring of mulch, but keep it several inches from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant it for future generations; this slow-growing tree is a long-term investment that will become a magnificent landscape feature.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide deep, infrequent waterings during its first few years.
Allow plenty of space for its massive root system and canopy to develop.
Prune only in the dormant season to reduce the risk of oak wilt.
Protect the trunk from lawnmower and string trimmer damage.

Don't

Don't plant in a small yard or close to buildings.
Avoid compacting the soil over the root zone with heavy equipment.
Never apply 'weed and feed' lawn products under the tree's canopy.
Do not prune during the growing season (April-October).

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Magnificent shade tree for large properties and parksDurable and stately street tree for wide boulevardsKey species for prairie restorations and wildlife habitat

Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium Andropogon gerardii Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia hirta Amelanchier alnifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bur Oak questions

What zones can Bur Oak grow in?

Bur Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bur Oak deer resistant?

Yes — Bur Oak is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bur Oak bloom?

Bur Oak typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bur Oak need full sun?

Bur Oak does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Bur Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bur Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.