Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak) is a large deciduous tree native across much of central and eastern North America. This drought-tolerant oak blooms in May and June and supports numerous pollinators including bees and beetles.
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bur Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
600"–900" H × 600"–900" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, IA and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bur oak is a massive, long-lived native tree that develops a broad, rounded crown and deeply ridged bark. This slow-growing oak is extremely drought tolerant once established and can live for centuries. It produces large acorns with distinctive fringed caps that are prized by wildlife.
Growing Bur Oak
Grow Bur Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 600 to 900 inches tall and spread 600 to 900 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bur Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Extremely large mature size requires ample space
- Acorn drop in fall may need cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for banded hairstreak, white-marked tussock moth.
Supports over 500 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillar host plant, plus provides acorns for squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. The flowers attract native bees and beetles in late spring.
Common questions
- Where is Bur Oak native to?
- Bur Oak is native to a wide range across central and eastern North America, including states from Montana and Wyoming in the west to Maine and Massachusetts in the east, and from Louisiana and Texas in the south to Minnesota and North Dakota in the north.
- When does Bur Oak bloom?
- Bur Oak blooms in May and June, producing small flowers that are wind-pollinated but also attract bees and beetles.
- What growing conditions does Bur Oak prefer?
- Bur Oak is highly adaptable and drought-tolerant once established. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial sun, and can handle a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils.
- What pollinators visit Bur Oak?
- While primarily wind-pollinated, Bur Oak flowers attract various pollinators including bees and beetles during its May-June bloom period.
- Is Bur Oak toxic to dogs?
- Bur Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bur Oak toxic to cats?
- Bur Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Bur Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bur Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bur Oak HOA-friendly?
- Bur Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bur Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz