Quercus Macrocarpa Bur Oak

Quercus Macrocarpa Bur Oak is a large deciduous shade tree with a wide, open crown. Its leaves are dark, leathery green with deeply rounded lobes. It is identifiable by the large trunk and thick , somewhat twisting, horizontal branches. The bark is gray-brown with deep ridges and furrows. The acorns, a source of food for small mammals and birds, are distinctive as well, with a large overcap that is somewhat wiry. Bur Oak prefers average to moist and rich, well-drained soil in the full sun, but will adapt to rocky conditions. It quickly develops a deep tap root, so cannot be moved. This hardy variety needs a lot of space to grow to mature size, and supports dozens of birds and wildlife.