Quercus macrocarpa , commonly known as the Bur Oak or Mossycup Oak , is a fellow member of theQuercusgenus within the Fagaceae home . It belong to the white oak group , recognized by its leaves with rounded lobes and acorn that mature in one season . The specie name “ macrocarpa ” pertain to the large size of it of its acorn , which are indeed among the largest of any oak species .

The Bur Oak is autochthonic to North America , with a tolerant native orbit that extends from the southern regions of Ontario , Canada , south through the eastern Great Plains into Texas , and eastwards to Pennsylvania . It ’s known for its ability to thrive in a variety of home ground , from prairie and savannah to riverbanks and mixed hardwood forests , record a particular resilience in both wry , well - debilitate uplands and moist , fertile lowlands .

Bur Oak has a deep historical connection with the landscapes it inhabits . Native American kinship group utilized the Bur Oak for its long-wearing woodwind instrument , which was perfect for constructing canoes and tools , and for its acorn , which were a significant food reference . European settler also prize its timber for construction , especially where other species were not as readily uncommitted in the prairies . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s seniority , with some specimens living over 300 year , has let it to become a part of the historical framework of North America , often marking substantial natural or ethnical landmarks . Its large , distinctive acorn are also culturally notice , giving the tree its common name “ Mossycup ” due to the hirsute cap that partially encloses the acorn .

Quercus macrocarpais well - suit to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8 . This wide adaptability means it can grow in a range of climates , from the rough winter of the northern plains to the milder , yet still seasonally moth-eaten , conditions of the Midwest and South . It tolerate both drouth and occasional flooding , making it various for landscaping and re-afforestation exploit across its aboriginal range and beyond . The tree ’s preference for deep , loamy filth is well - known , but it also indicate adaptability to various grime types , including clays and littoral , provided there is enough drainage . Its use in urban and rural setting has increased due to its resiliency and aesthetic caliber , contributing to its popularity in parks , along streets , and in conservation projects .

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa): Characteristics

Growth Habit

Quercus macrocarpahas a distinctive increment riding habit , often developing a broad , spreading diadem with large , expectant branches that can drag to the ground in open areas . In contrast , when grow in dense forests , it incline to have a more upright , narrow form . The tree ’s silhouette is rugged and purple , with a sturdiness that reflects its ability to suffer harsh conditions .

sizing

Bur Oaks can arise to solid size , turn over heights of 70 to 80 feet , with some trees exceeding 100 feet . Their counterpane can be equally impressive , especially in open landscapes , where the crown can protract to or beyond the tree diagram ’s tallness , offering substantial tincture reporting .

growing Rate

The increment rate of Bur Oak is consider restrained to slow up . Young trees might grow about 1 to 2 feet per year , though this slows as the tree matures . Its growth can be peculiarly slow in its first few years , underline the want for patience in refinement .

Leaves

The leaves ofQuercus macrocarpaare simple , alternate , and notably varying in shape , often obovate to nearly polish up with 5 to 9 rounded lobe . They can be 6 to 12 inches long , with a dark green , lustrous upper surface and a paler , sometimes slightly haired underside . In autumn , the leave turn white-livered or browned rather than lustrous colors , often remaining on the tree well into wintertime .

Lifespan

Bur Oaks are among the longest - lived oaks , with some individual hit over 400 years . Their longevity , combined with their resilience in utmost weather conditions , make them enduring feature of landscape .

Bark

Young Bur Oaks have smooth , hoar bark that becomes profoundly crease with years , create a grating , dark-skinned , and scaly grain . The barque ’s coming into court adds to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s broken aesthetical and provides home ground for legion specie .

root

The tooth root system is robust , with a deep taproot in young for anchorage , transitioning to a wide - spreading web of sidelong tooth root as it maturate . These roots are inviolable and all-encompassing , which can stick challenges in urban preferences due to their potential drop to break up pavement or fundament but also contribute to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s stability and drouth electric resistance .

Additional Characteristics :

Cultivation

internet site Selection

When opt a site for Bur Oak , consider its mature sizing and growth substance abuse . It prefers full Dominicus for optimal growth but can tolerate some nuance , specially when young . The tree is adaptable to a variety of soil types but thrives best in deep , well - drained loamy soils , though it can grow in clays or sands if the drain is adequate . Given its tolerance to both drought and flooding , it ’s suitable for sites that might live variable moisture conditions .

Planting

Watering

Water profoundly after planting . Young Bur Oaks need even tearing to demonstrate their ancestor system , particularly during dry magic spell . Once establish , they are drouth - resistant but profit from supplemental watering during extended dry flow . Reduce lacrimation in the fall to help oneself the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree prepare for quiescence .

Mulching

Apply a 2 - 3 inch layer of mulch around the fundament of the tree to conserve soil wet , suppress widow’s weeds , and regulate land temperature . Keep mulch forth from unmediated contact with the trunk to prevent guff .

Fertilization

Bur Oaks typically do n’t take regular fertilization if implant in honorable soil . If a grease test reveals lack , a balanced , slow - liberation plant food can be applied in early spring , but avoid mellow - nitrogen fertilizers that encourage leafy emergence over root development .

Pruning

Pest and Disease Management

Bur Oaks can be susceptible to oak wilt , particularly in areas where this disease is common . supervise for sign like leaf discoloration and wilting , managing through proper pruning practices and possibly fungicide . Other pests might include musical scale insect or galls , grapple through integrated pest direction focalise on natural controls when potential .

retentive - term Care