Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

40-60', 60-100'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Silhouette, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Park

 

Special Uses

Wind Break, Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

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.