Quercus macrocarpa
,
Deciduous
Bur oak is considered by many to be the king of Great Plains
native hardwoods. It is the most common native oak in Nebraska occurring naturally along many rivers and streams in the eastern
third of the state and can be found in pockets here and there as far west as Hitchcock and Dawes counties.
Where To Grow
Bur oak is tolerant of city smoke and other air pollutants and of soils that are compacted, sandy, and/or of high pH – it is commonly
planted as a shade tree in many urban areas of the United States. The trees become large and are suited for lawns and other open areas,
including golf courses, parks, large islands, and fields. They also are useful in rehabilitation of degraded sites and have been
widely planted in windbreak and shelterbelt systems because of their drought tolerance.
Suitable to plant throughout the state.
Size at Maturity
Tree Height
Tree Spread
50-75'
50-75'
Wildlife Benefits
The acorns are eaten by many birds and mammals, including squirrels, rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, deer, black bear, wild turkey, wood
ducks, flickers, woodpeckers, and blue jays. They are dispersed by rodents and blue jays, which frequently cache the acorns for later
use. Bur oak is browsed by deer, elk, and cattle. Red-tailed hawks, screech owls, fox squirrels, and flying squirrels nest in large trees
of bur oak.
Additional Considerations
Another hybrid cultivar tree enthusiasts could try is the bur-gambel oak.
Interesting Facts
Noteworthy bur oaks found in Nebraska include the outlying
population in Bur Oak Canyon near Culbertson; the trees with the remarkably exposed root systems growing on pure sand north of Albion;
the towering trees in Beatrice’s Chautauqua Park; the nearly 500-year-old tree found at Ponca State Park; the canopy grove in the
campground on the north edge of Fullerton.
Additional Images
