Oak (QUERCES MACROCARPA) - 'Burr Oak'
Despite it's rugged, dull appearance, the tough and timeless nature of Burr Oak makes this a valuable tree in the landscape, particularly in harsh climates. It has a rounded, open form, slow growth rate, and is very adaptable to adverse and dry soil conditions. It does much better in higher alkalinity than most other oak and is more drought resistant as well. It's dark gray, rough, corky-like bark develops deep ridges as it ages and it's dark green leaves exhibit more vegetative variation than other oaks. Fall color varies from dull yellow, yellow green to yellow brown and the acorns that it grows tend to be 3/4 - 1 1/2" long. Strength, hardiness, and durability are traits of Burr Oak that make it a tree worth the wait.
Burr Oak reaches a magnificent height of 50 feet with a spread of equal distance. It is extremely cold hardy down to USDA Hardiness Zone 2. Plant in full sunlight. Not particular as to soils - it grows well in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. While it prefers moderate moisture, the tree develops drought tolerance once established. Tolerates pollution and heat stress. Extremely long-lived and valuable for food for wildlife with rather large acorns.