Bur oak is a large, deciduous tree somewhat columnar in its youth, but growing broader with age; eventually reaching 50 to 80 feet tall and wide, though it has a slow rate of growth. Its leaves are large, deeply lobed, and dark green above and whitish, slightly furry undersides. Fall color is a yellowish brown. Brown spring catkins are followed by suprisingly small acorns with a mossy cap. The bark is a greyish brown, with older bark having a distinctive flakiness. An absolutely beautiful tree for shade or as a specimen. There is a lovely tree by the science building at Westminster College.
Grow in well-drained, loamy soils in full sun. One of the few oaks that prefers alkaline soils. Drought tolerant. Hardy to USDA Zone 3. Plant the smallest tree you can endure, as it will establish more quickly.