Quercus macrocarpa
bur oak
A large deciduous tree to 25m with green lobed leaves that turn yellow-brown in autumn before falling. The acorns can be large, up to 5cm across and the cup has long hairs in a fringe around the lip
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Brown | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Quercus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with entire, lobed or toothed leaves; flowers inconspicuous, followed by characteristic acorns; sometimes good autumn colour
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Suited to large gardens and parkland. Grow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light as long as it isn't too acidic. For more advice see tree cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or by sowing seed soon after it drops. For more advice see propagating from seed (tree/shrub
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to oak processionary moth, aphids, caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and oak gall wasps
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.