Quercus macrocarpa aka Burr Oak

Quercus macrocarpa, commonly known as the bur oak or burr oak, is a large deciduous oak tree native to eastern North America. It belongs to the white oak section, Quercus sect. Quercus, and is also referred to as mossycup oak, mossycup white oak, blue oak, or scrub oak. This impressive tree can reach heights of up to 25m and has green lobed leaves that turn yellow-brown in the autumn before they gracefully fall. One of the distinguishing features of Quercus macrocarpa is its acorns, which are the largest among all North American oaks. The name "macrocarpa" is derived from the Ancient Greek words for "large" (makrós) and "fruit" (karpós). These acorns serve as an essential food source for a variety of wildlife. The cup of the acorn is covered in long hairs, forming a fringe around the rim. Quercus macrocarpa is a medium to large-sized oak tree with a broad-spreading, rounded crown. It typically grows between 60-80 feet in height, occasionally reaching up to 150 feet. The plant is native to various habitats in central and eastern North America. In the spring, insignificant yellowish-green flowers appear in separate male and female catkins as the leaves start to emerge. The fruits of Quercus macrocarpa are oval-shaped acorns, measuring around 1 1/2 inches in length. These acorns have fringed, burry cups that extend to approximately half to three-quarters of the acorn's length. Wildlife heavily relies on these acorns as a food source. The leathery, dark green leaves of this oak tree are variable in shape, typically featuring 5-9 rounded lobes. They often have a pair of deep central sinuses that extend nearly to the midrib, giving the leaf a waisted appearance. During the fall season, the leaves turn an undistinguished yellow-brown color.