Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa, Hist. Chênes Amér.: 2 (1801))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Hist. Chênes Amér.: 2 (1801)

Year: 1801

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SC. & SE. Canada to Alabama

Description

The Bur oak, scientfically recognized as Quercus macrocarpa, is a majestic and robust tree belonging to the Fagaceae family. This prolific species was first described in detail in the historical documentation “Hist. Chênes Amér.: 2 (1801)” authored by Michx. Its natural habitat spans a considerable geographical range, extending from South Central and Southeastern Canada down through to Alabama in the United States.

Characterized by its grand stature, the Bur oak can reach impressive heights, often forming an integral part of the ecosystems where it thrives. It features a notable broad, rounded crown with a dense canopy of large, lobed leaves that offer a generous spread of shade. This resilient tree is well-adapted to a variety of soil types and climates within its range, displaying a remarkable ability to endure diverse environmental conditions.

One distinguishing trait of the Bur oak is its acorns, among the largest of North American oaks, which significantly contribute to its botanical name “macrocarpa,” meaning “large fruit.” These acorns play a vital role in the local wildlife ecology, serving as a critical food source for numerous animal species.

The Bur oak’s extensive and deep-reaching root system provides excellent soil stabilization, making it a valuable component in erosion control and landscape management. Additionally, its wood is highly valued for its strength and durability, commonly utilized in construction and furniture-making.

Beyond its ecological and economic significance, the Bur oak stands as a symbol of strength and longevity, often living for several centuries. Its prominent presence throughout its native range adds to the rich biodiversity of North American woodlands, highlighting its importance both ecologically and culturally.

Common Names

Eng: bur oak, mossy-cup oak, blue oak, burr oak
Fra: chêne à gros fruits
En: Bur oak, Mossy-cup oak, Burr Oak, Vó’omeoó’omêše, Blue oak
Ar: سنديان كبير الثمار
Zh: 大果栎, 大果櫟
Cs: Dub velkoplodý
Et: Suureviljane tamm
Fi: Takiaistammi
Fr: Chêne à gros fruits
Hu: Nagylevelű tölgy
Is: Fjaðureik
Lv: Dižzīļu ozols
No: Borreeik
Fa: اوری (گیاه)
Pl: Dąb wielkoowocowy
Zh-tw: 大果櫟
Zh-hant: 大果櫟

Synonyms

• Quercus macrocarpa subsp. eumacrocarpa (A.Camus)
• Cerris macrocarpa ((Michx.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New York (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 4, 2020 by Frédéric GORTAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by o p (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2021 by Carolyn Callaghan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Abby Longworth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Jennifer Eades (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Rad Mayfield (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by romuald scheling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Sonlight (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2017 by Keith Gebhardt (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 24, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 8, 2017 by Keith Gebhardt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2020 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Bud Poole (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Sonlight (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Andres Lozano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Lyndon Chan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken May 29, 2019 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2002 by Robert Kiefl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken May 13, 2021 by Gena Abramson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2014 by EOL − elizabeth_whaley (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Marco Dansereau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Rad Mayfield (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2015 by EOL − Gina Sinatro (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2878213)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30014114-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus macrocarpa Michx.)

Specifications

Growth