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Bur Oak

Tree Description

Bur oaks are large trees of the prairies that reach a height of 80 feet or more and have a trunk diameter of 5 feet. They have a short body and heavy branches that form an open, spreading crown of dark green foliage. 

Range / Site Description

These trees occur in limestone soils in Central Texas as far west as Tom Green County, often on rich bottomlands along streams or hillsides and on banks along spring-fed rivers.  They are also planted widely as landscape trees throughout Texas.

Leaf

The leaves are simple and alternate, about 6” to 12” long and 3” to 6” wide, with 5-9 highly variable lobes that lack bristle tips. The lobes are divided by at least one pair of deep sinuses, and the upper one-third of the leaf typically has a roughly-toothed or weakly-lobed margin.

Flower & Fruit

Separate male and female flowers appear in spring on the same tree. Male flowers are borne on a yellowish catkin 4” to 6” long. Female flowers are inconspicuous and reddish in color.

The fruit, an acorn, requires a single season to mature. It is 1” to 2” long, ovoid in shape, and set deeply in a mossy-fringed cup that gives the species its common name. 

Interesting Facts

Acorns are prized by wildlife. They can also be used to make a coarse flour.

Species Summary

Scientific Name:Quercus macrocarpa
Secondary Names:Mossycup Oak
Tree Type:Deciduous
Dimensions:Height: 80 feet
Trunk Diameter: 5 feet
Leaf Structure:Simple, alternate
Leaf Size:6-12 inches long and 3-6 inches wide
Leaf Shape:Variable in shape
Leaf Margin:Roughly-toothed or weakly-lobed
Additional Information:iNaturalist – Bur Oak

Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – Bur Oak

External Resources:

  • Texas A&M Forest Service – Trees of Texas
  • Texas A&M Forest Service – Texas Tree Planting Guide
  • Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) – Houston Chapter
  • Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension – Native and Adapted Plants for Houston
    (Gardening Fact Sheet)
  • Houston Audubon – Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

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Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter

1402 Band Road, Ste 100, Rosenberg,TX 77471
(832) 225-6936

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