Bur Oak or Mossycup Oak
Quercus macrocarpa is in the white oak family and is a large, drought resistant, long-lived and reasonably fast-grower for an oak. Its acorns are BIG and have a big cap, hence its species name (macrocarpa = “big tent”).
Growing conditions: Tolerates lime soils better than most oaks. It is native to the central plains and the great lakes regions of North America. The tree has strong branches, drought tolerance, winter hardiness, and freedom from serious insects or diseases. It prefers rich bottom land but is tolerant of poor soil conditions such as rocky slopes and dry or clay soils if given full sun conditions. A long taproot makes it difficult to transplant.
Size at maturity: 80’
Uses: We are excited about this specific oak because of the size of its acorns, which can be harvested in autumn and placed in a mesh bag in a running stream to leach out the tannins, then dried and made into flour or sauteed with garlic and honey for a delicious snack. Native Americans used bur oak to treat heart ailments, diarrhea, broken bones, and as an astringent (to close bleeding wounds). The wood of bur oak is extremely durable and prized for woodworking.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Quercus macrocarpa is in the white oak family and is a large, drought resistant, long-lived and reasonably fast-grower for an oak. Its acorns are BIG and have a big cap, hence its species name (macrocarpa = “big tent”).
Growing conditions: Tolerates lime soils better than most oaks. It is native to the central plains and the great lakes regions of North America. The tree has strong branches, drought tolerance, winter hardiness, and freedom from serious insects or diseases. It prefers rich bottom land but is tolerant of poor soil conditions such as rocky slopes and dry or clay soils if given full sun conditions. A long taproot makes it difficult to transplant.
Size at maturity: 80’
Uses: We are excited about this specific oak because of the size of its acorns, which can be harvested in autumn and placed in a mesh bag in a running stream to leach out the tannins, then dried and made into flour or sauteed with garlic and honey for a delicious snack. Native Americans used bur oak to treat heart ailments, diarrhea, broken bones, and as an astringent (to close bleeding wounds). The wood of bur oak is extremely durable and prized for woodworking.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Quercus macrocarpa is in the white oak family and is a large, drought resistant, long-lived and reasonably fast-grower for an oak. Its acorns are BIG and have a big cap, hence its species name (macrocarpa = “big tent”).
Growing conditions: Tolerates lime soils better than most oaks. It is native to the central plains and the great lakes regions of North America. The tree has strong branches, drought tolerance, winter hardiness, and freedom from serious insects or diseases. It prefers rich bottom land but is tolerant of poor soil conditions such as rocky slopes and dry or clay soils if given full sun conditions. A long taproot makes it difficult to transplant.
Size at maturity: 80’
Uses: We are excited about this specific oak because of the size of its acorns, which can be harvested in autumn and placed in a mesh bag in a running stream to leach out the tannins, then dried and made into flour or sauteed with garlic and honey for a delicious snack. Native Americans used bur oak to treat heart ailments, diarrhea, broken bones, and as an astringent (to close bleeding wounds). The wood of bur oak is extremely durable and prized for woodworking.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3-8