Bur Oak
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Also known as Bur Oak, Burr Oak, Savanna Oak, Overcup Oak, Prairie Oak, Mossy-cup Oak, Mossy-overcup Oak, Blue Oak
The Quercus macrocarpa, commonly known as the bur oak or mossycup oak, is a truly majestic tree native to North America, proudly belonging to the white oak group. It's a medium to large-sized deciduous oak that typically reaches heights of 60-80 feet, and on a rare occasion, it can grow up to an impressive 150 feet! With its broad-spreading, rounded crown, this tree surely stands out in any landscape. The unique acorn cups are adorned with a mossy scale or bur near the rim, giving this oak its charming common name. You can find this tree thriving in various habitats across central and eastern North America, particularly flourishing in bottomland soils like those in the beautiful Ohio River valley.
In the delightful spring season, the bur oak produces lovely, small, yellowish-green flowers on separate male and female catkins. Its fruits are oval acorns with whimsical fringed, burry cups that extend about 1/2 to 3/4 of the acorn length, making them a vital food source for local wildlife. The leathery, dark green leaves, which can grow 6-12 inches long, feature 5-9 rounded lobes that vary in shape, often showcasing deep central sinuses that extend nearly to the midrib, giving the leaves a unique waisted appearance. While the fall color is a gentle yellow-brown, it still adds a nice touch to the scenery. You might also notice that some twigs are ridged with corky wings, adding to the tree's character.
Bur oaks thrive beautifully in dry to medium, well-drained soils and love to bask in full sun. Although they prefer moist, well-drained loams, they are adaptable and can handle various soil conditions, exhibiting excellent drought tolerance. Just a little patience is needed, as it can take up to 35 years for these remarkable trees to produce their first crop of acorns.
BONAP MAP
Height: 60’-80’
Spread 60’-80’
Bloom: April
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Origin: North America
Spring Shipping:
Orders are shipped within 7-10 business days. We will email you if there are expected delays.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
