Bur oak

Scientific name: Quercus macrocarpa

Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)

The bur oak is a massive, slow-growing tree found throughout Ohio except for some southeastern counties. It is adaptable to both moist and dry sites and is often found standing by itself. The bur oak is one of the most picturesque of the oaks. Its fiddle-shaped leathery leaves, huge-fringed acorns, thick and sometimes corky twigs, and deeply ridged, fire-resistant bark add to its bold texture.

Identification

LEAF: Textured, leathery leaves that are 4-12 inches long and 3-6 inches wide, alternate, teardrop-shaped, and usually dark green. Leaf shape varies significantly but consists of about five to nine lobes of different sizes. Fall color is usually yellow to yellow-brown, but leaf drop is usually complete.

TWIGS AND BUDS: Branchlets are sometimes corky, while at other times moderately rough, but non-corky. Clustered terminal buds are blunt and often large, occurring on its stout twigs.

FRUIT OR SEED: Large acorns are oval or broadly ovate, broad at the base, and rounded at the depressed apex. The acorn is up to 11/2 inches long and nearly covered by a rough, frilled cap.

BARK: Mature bark becomes highly ridged and deeply furrowed with a dark gray color that is characteristic of the white oak group.

SHAPE: Shape ranges from pyramid to oval.

MATURE HEIGHT: 70-90 feet

Photo credits: Gilles Ayotte, Ryan Hodnett, Ross Dunn, Larry D. Moore, USDA.