Oak, Bur, Bare Root

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

A broad-crowned white-group oak for open groves, savanna restoration, and large landscapes. Fringed acorn cups distinguish it from many other oaks.

Key Characteristics

A savanna-scale tree

Allow a wide, open crown rather than squeezing it into a small border. It tolerates a broad moisture range once established, but new roots still need water.

Leaves feed a different food chain

Oak foliage supports caterpillars such as imperial moth and hairstreak larvae; insect-eating birds use this living food supply. Retain some leaf litter and healthy leaf feeding beneath a habitat tree.

Acorns take a compatible planting

White-group oaks generally mature acorns in one growing season. Plant several genetically different trees, preferably of the same species, with overlapping pollen release for a more dependable mast planting.

Product Details

• Native range: Central and eastern North America
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade
• Soil moisture: Dry; Medium-Dry; Medium; Medium-Wet
• Mature height: 70–80 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: April–May
• Bloom color: Green, Yellow
• USDA hardiness zones: 3–8
• Fruit or seed: Acorns for wildlife; crops and bearing age vary among seedlings. Human food use requires correct identification and thorough tannin removal.
• Pollination: Wind-pollinated; plant several genetically distinct trees of the same species or hybrid type for a better chance of overlapping pollen and acorn production.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting and spread roots without bending them into a tight hole. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base feeding on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when needed.

Protect young trunks and roots from browsing, mowing, and compaction. Follow regional pruning guidance where oak wilt occurs; retain harmless galls and caterpillar feeding when practical. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. These are seedlings rather than selected clones, so growth, flowering, and fruiting vary.