Previous species

Next Species

Home Page

Bur Oak, Mossy Cup Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus macrocarpa Michx.
Synonym: Quercus mandanensis
Family: Fagaceae

Show Larger Picture Picture U.S.D.A Forest Service, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 1-11,14-24 USDA: 2-8 Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun Origin: North-central United States and the eastern Great Plains Growth Habits: Deciduous large tree or large shrub, slow to medium rate of growth to 65 to 100 feet tall (20-30 m), occasionally up to 160 feet (48 m), 45 feet spread (13 m); trunk 2 to 3 feet in diameter, occasionally up to 8 feet in diameter (2.4 m); grayish to brown bark with shallow vertical furrows; dark green obovate leaves, 6 to 12 inches long (15-30 cm) Watering Needs: Needs abundant water and good drainage, in fertile soil Propagation: Seeds (acorns)

Fruiting Habits:
The acorns are about 1.5 inches long (3.7 cm), solitary, maturing after 1 years, half-enclosed in a warty, long fringed cap (the mossy cup of the common name).