ExplorePlants

bur oak

Quercus macrocarpa

The bur oak is a big tree with strong branches and large leaves. It can live for hundreds of years and provides homes for many animals. Its acorns are a tasty treat for squirrels and other critters!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The bur oak has deeply furrowed, ridged bark that can resemble cork. Its leaves are distinctly lobed, with a narrow waist near the center. The most unique feature is its large acorn, often half-covered by a fringed, bur-like cup.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
bur oak
deciduous trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgecold_hardy trait badgenut_bearing trait badge
bur oak

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Bur oak trees can live for over 400 years, some even reaching 1000!

Its extra-large acorns often float, helping them spread far away by water!

Native Americans once used bur oak acorns to make flour for bread and other foods.

The fringed cap of a bur oak acorn looks like it's wearing a tiny, fuzzy hat!

Special abilities

Ability

Fire Shield

Bur oak has super thick, furrowed bark that protects it like armor from wildfires, helping it survive.

Ability

Giant Acorn Launcher

Its huge acorns are packed with food, giving baby trees a big energy boost to grow and reproduce.

Ability

Deep Root Anchor

A long taproot helps bur oaks stand strong against high winds and find water deep underground to survive.

Ability

Flood Tolerator

Bur oak can survive with its roots underwater for weeks, adapting to temporary floods for survival.

Measurements & details

Height
2000-4000 cm
Spread
1500-3000 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay away from the tree's branches and roots to avoid tripping or getting hurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is bur oak?

2000-4000 cm

How wide does bur oak spread?

1500-3000 cm

When does bur oak bloom?

Spring

Is bur oak edible?

No

Is bur oak toxic?

Mild

What is bur oak's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is bur oak pollinated?

Wind

Where is bur oak usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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