Fauna
Plant

Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa

Also known as Burr Oak, Mossycup Oak

Bur oak is a broad-crowned prairie tree with deeply ridged bark and large acorns seated in conspicuously fringed cups. Thick bark, deep roots, and drought tolerance help mature trees persist through grassland fire and harsh weather.

Prairie OakFringed AcornsFire Resistant
Bur Oak reference1 / 7
James St. John / CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthesis; roots absorb water and mineral nutrients
Predators
  • Acorn weevils
  • Deer
  • Leaf-feeding caterpillars
ThreatsSavanna conversion, oak wilt, soil compaction, severe drought, and invasive pests
HabitatsOak savannas, prairie margins, floodplains, open woodland, and dry uplands
Life spanOften 200 to 300 years, with exceptional trees living longer
Classification
  1. OrderFagales
  2. FamilyFagaceae
  3. GenusQuercus
  4. SpeciesQuercus macrocarpa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Protect the root zone and leave acorns available for wildlife and natural regeneration.
Responsible observation
  • Acorns: Look for a deep cup bordered by a shaggy fringe.
  • Bark: Notice the unusually thick corky ridges on mature trunks and branches.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain

The Forest Floor

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