Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Oaks are majestic trees and the Bur oak may be the most stately of all. Mature bur oaks are massive, long lived trees. They can grow well above 100’ feet tall with broad, reaching canopies and they can live for centuries. The Bur oak is a native, cornerstone species that provides food and habitat for a dizzying amount of wildlife. The large acorns are also a traditional food source and, like acorns from other white oaks, are lower in tannins than acorns from red oaks, which makes preparation easier. I collect our seed from an incredible local mother tree that is one of the largest and most impressive examples of the bur oak that I have ever seen. I am thrilled to be perpetuating its genetics. Bur oaks require a pollination partner nearby so if acorn production is your goal be sure to plant several. Highly tolerant of  different soils and moisture levels, but won’t tolerate long periods of standing water. They prefer to grow in a prairie or savannah context rather than in a dense forested setting. Our seedlings are 8”+. Hardy to zone 4.