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