Bur oak is one of North America's most majestic native oaks, a medium to large deciduous tree that grows 60 to 80 feet tall (occasionally reaching 150 feet) with a broad, rounded crown. Hardy from zones 3 to 8, it earns its common names from its distinctive acorns, which are wrapped in a distinctive mossy scale or bur near the rim. This tree adapts to a remarkable range of soil conditions, from clay to dry soils, and once established tolerates drought exceptionally well, making it a genuinely low-maintenance presence in the landscape for decades or even centuries.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-8
960in H x 960in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The acorns are the true showstopper: large and distinctive, with their characteristic mossy cups that give the tree its name. Bur oak handles drought and poor soils with remarkable composure, thriving where other trees struggle. Its broad, spreading form provides substantial shade and presence without demanding fussy care. Growth is slow and patient, but the reward is a long-lived tree of genuine character that anchors a landscape.
Bur oak functions as an exceptional shade tree and fits naturally into rain gardens where its drought tolerance and ability to handle clay soils become real assets. Its broad crown provides substantial shade, and its native status makes it a cornerstone species for ecological restoration and wildlife habitat. The acorns are produced in abundance once the tree matures and support wildlife including deer, squirrels, and jays.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
No care instructions available yet for this variety.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Bur oak is native across central and eastern North America, where it has grown for millennia in bottomlands, prairies, and woodlands. It represents one of the most resilient of the native white oak group, having adapted to the full range of growing conditions across its extensive native range. The tree was invaluable to Indigenous peoples and early settlers alike, providing acorns and wood, and its presence shaped the ecology of entire regions before European settlement.”