Botanical profile

Quercus macrocarpa

Latin name
Quercus macrocarpa
Common name
Bur oak
Type
Leafy
Family
Fagaceae

Quercus macrocarpa is an imposing and hardy ornamental tree, commonly known as the bur oak or mossycup oak, prized for its deep green, broad foliage that forms a generous and structured crown, offering a majestic and lasting presence in beds, parks, avenues, or large gardens. In autumn, its foliage turns warm shades of yellow and golden brown, visually enriching the seasonal landscape before leaf fall. Its rounded and spreading silhouette provides dense and balanced shade, ideal as a shade tree, specimen tree, or focal point in residential or public landscape designs. Very hardy, this tree tolerates a wide variety of well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, where it thrives without particular demands, combining strength, longevity, and ease of maintenance.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3-7
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Low to medium
Fertilization
Balanced spring salad
Soil type
Well-drained, tolerant
Minimum temperature
-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
May
Flower color
Greenish yellow
Fruiting
Large, decorative acorns
Foliage color
Deep green ? golden yellow/brown (autumn)
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Rounded / Spread
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
50-70 ft (15-21 m)
Width
40-60 ft (12-18 m)
Growth rate
Slow
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Oak
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.