Bur Oak

A massive tree of the prairie that can grow over 80 feet tall with a trunk up to 5 feet in diameter. It has a short central trunk with thick, spreading branches that form an open canopy. The dark green foliage adds bold contrast in open landscapes.

Occurs on limestone soils in Central Texas, especially in bottomlands near streams and along spring-fed rivers. It is also widely planted as a shade tree across Texas.

Leaves are simple and alternate, measuring 6 to 12 inches long and 3 to 6 inches wide. They feature 5 to 9 deeply lobed sections with pronounced sinuses and no bristle tips. The upper third of the leaf often appears coarsely toothed or weakly lobed.

Male flowers form on yellowish catkins 4 to 6 inches long in spring, while female flowers are smaller and reddish. Both appear on the same tree.

Produces large acorns, 1 to 2 inches long, enclosed in a mossy-fringed cup. The acorns mature in a single season and are a major food source for wildlife.

Young bark is light gray and flaky, while mature bark becomes thick with deep furrows and corky ridges on the branches. Wood is tough, heavy, and used for lumber, railroad ties, and firewood.

White oak is found in East Texas and has smaller acorns with smooth cups, distinguishing it from the mossy-fringed bur oak.

Bur oak acorns are not only a wildlife favorite but can be ground into flour for human use in traditional practices.