Bur oaks can become very large trees when grown in rich bottomland soils. The most massive specimens can be well over 100 feet tall and have an equally broad crown, but a more typical size is 60 to 100 feet tall and wide. Bur oak populations have decreased significantly since the early 1900s due to loss of habitat to urban and agricultural development and lack of fire. Bur oaks develop a thick, fire-resistant bark that allows them to survive occasional fires. Without fire, opportunistic fast-growing trees, such as sugar maple and hackberry, are left unchecked and create a canopy that bur oaks can't tolerate.

 

Bur oak has a high tolerance for cold weather and is very drought resistant. As with all of Missouri's oaks, bur oak is incredibly valuable for wildlife. Countless species of caterpillars--both butterfly and moth--rely on oak foliage as a food source. Birds, in addition to eating many of the caterpillars, also eat the acorns and use bur oaks for nesting and cover. Deer, squirrels, raccons, mice, bears, chipmunks and other mammals also consume the acorns. 

 

Uses:  Wildlife, shade tree

Bloom time:  April - May

 

Height:  50 to 70 feet

Space:  40 to 60 feet

 

Sun:  Full sun to light shade

Moisture:  Average to moist