Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a tree of all trades! This species endures in many growing conditions and is especially tolerant of drought, however, saturated soils or areas prone to flooding inhibit their growth. Bur oak is known for its large acorns and wide-spreading canopy. This medium-large size tree provides generous shade, and is a food source for a diverse array of wildlife.  

Bur Oak is part of the Assisted Tree Range Expansion Project (ATREP); it’s found just a few counties south of Grand Traverse, and may assist with habitat stability in the face of Climate Change.

Photos by Steven J. Baskauf

BUNDLE BREAKDOWN:

Per-bundle pricing displayed below. Multiple-bundle pricing reflected in shopping cart.

Bundle of 5: $19

Bundle of 10: $28

Bundle of 25: $54

Bundle of 50: $87

Bundle of 100: $144

STATS ON BUR OAK

• Mature Height:  85 - 100 feet

• Mature Canopy Width:  85 feet

• Soil Type:  Clay, sandy, well-drained

• Moisture:  Moist, well-drained

• Sun:  Full Sun, Partial Shade

• Growth Rate:  Medium

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF BUR OAK

• The acorns of the bur oak are the largest acorn of all North American native oaks! The cup of the acorn is covered in scales and a fringe around the top, which is the source of its common name of bur (or burr) oak. Acorns are produced most years of a bur oak’s life.

• Bur oak is generally resistant to pests and disease, including oak wilt as it is in the white oak group.

• The trunk of a mature bur oak has thick bark with deep grooves. These features are an adaptation that insulates the living part of the trunk (phloem and cambium) from wildfires common in their native ranges.

VISITORS ATTRACTED TO BUR OAK

DID YOU KNOW?

The southwest region of Michigan’s lower peninsula was once home to a natural community type known as Bur oak plains. These communities were savannas formed from glacial outwash where the tree canopy covered only 10-30% of the land. These communities were fire dependent. Frequent and small ground fires maintained savanna conditions with little tree canopy and encouraged the success of grasses and forbs, as well as animals such as mound building ants and the passenger pigeon.