Bur Oak
quercus macrocarpa
Also known as: ["Mossy Oak","Overcup Oak"]
Overview
A large, long-lived deciduous tree native to North America, known for its large acorns and deeply lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Genus: | Quercus |
| Botanical Name: | Quercus macrocarpa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-40–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Deep, fertile, well-draining loam; tolerates clay but prefers good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; remove deadwood as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to 25% of canopy if necessary for health or structure.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer acorns and less vigorous growth.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young trees gradually to full sun; protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for light penetration.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun is ideal; avoid deep shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in arid regions.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks during dry periods, more frequently in extreme heat
Water deeply to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
deep, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates temperatures from -30°F to 100°F; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from extreme cold; water adequately in heat; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only if growth is poor; avoid over-fertilization; test soil before applying nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; can also be propagated by root cuttings or grafting for specific cultivars.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect mature acorns in fall.
- Stratify seeds for 3 months.
- Plant in pots or ground in spring.
- For root cuttings, take cuttings in late winter, apply hormone, and plant in sterile medium.
Best Time: Fall for seed propagation (collect mature acorns); late winter/early spring for root cuttings.
Environment
Cool temperatures (40–50°F) for stratification of seeds; warm (65–75°F), humid environment for root cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for seedlings; sterile medium for root cuttings.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may aid root cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds may germinate in 1–3 months with stratification; root cuttings may take 2–4 months to root.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, pots, rooting hormone (optional), stratification containers, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Stratify seeds to improve germination; use fresh acorns for best results; protect young seedlings from pests.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk; heading cuts to shorten branches for shaping.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation; focus on structural pruning when young.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools between cuts; prune during dormancy; remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches; make clean cuts just outside the branch collar.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins for container-grown seedlings.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for container-grown seedlings.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its container; prune any circling roots; place in a new container with fresh soil mix; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; established trees are field-grown; container-grown seedlings may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use a well-draining soil mix; prune roots if pot-bound; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the tree, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; continue until water drains from the bottom of the container or soil is saturated in the ground.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks unless drought conditions prevail.
Soil Improvement
Add organic matter like compost to improve fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite to enhance drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; delayed bud break or leaf drop in cold stress; stunted growth in unsuitable temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth slows or halts; bark may crack in extreme cold; potential for winter dieback.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect young trees with burlap screens in harsh winters; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or premature leaf drop; reduced acorn production; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide supplemental water during drought; use shade cloth in extreme heat; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Test soil pH and nutrient levels; apply fertilizer in early spring; water thoroughly after fertilizing; avoid late-season fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; do not fertilize in late summer or fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to winter damage.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest the acorns or leaves of Quercus macrocarpa. The tannins in these plant parts can disrupt the digestive process and cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience gastrointestinal upset if they consume the acorns or leaves of Quercus macrocarpa due to the presence of tannins. These compounds can cause irritation and discomfort in the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicQuercus macrocarpa, commonly known as the bur oak, contains tannins in its acorns and leaves which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large quantities. The tannins interfere with nutrient absorption and can lead to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the Bur Oak grow?
A: It can grow up to 100 feet tall with a spread of 80 feet.
Q: What are the uses of Bur Oak?
A: It is used for timber, landscaping, and its acorns are a food source for wildlife.
Q: Is the Bur Oak suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks during dry p |
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