Quercus macrocarpa
Other common names
Mossycup Oak, Mossycup White Oak, Burl Oak. Indigenous: Mitigomizh (Ojibwe)
Origin of the species name
Quercus is Latin for oak tree; macrocarpa is Greek for long fruit.
Family
Fagaceae
Date planted
February 2008
Lifespan
Burr oaks can live to around 300 years.
General description
This is a medium to tall deciduous tree. It is wide spreading with a rounded crown and shaggy bark. The leaves are up to 15cm long and are markedly lobed, turning brown in autumn. It produces large acorns in hairy cups. It belongs to the 'white oak' section of the genus. Height 25 Spread 15m
Natural distribution and habitat
The species is native to North America in the eastern and midwestern United States and south-central Canada. It is one of the most cold-tolerant oak species and endures a wide variety of other conditions including poor dry soils and wet, poorly-drained, and inundated locations. It also grows in rich bottom lands.
Conservation status
Although it is not generally considered to be a threatened species, some populations have been severely reduced, such as the oak savannah in the Minnesota Valley where only 0.02% remains. Years of fire suppression and grazing have allowed many invasive species to take over the savannah. It is considered as an endangered species in Connecticut, USA.
Uses
It produces one of the best and most durable oak timbers that is used for cabinetry, barrels, hardwood flooring and fence posts. Native Americans used it medicinally and the acorns were roasted in ashes or boiled, mashed and eaten with grease or duck broth.
Planting pattern
Planted in rows that follow a broad zigzag pattern.
Further reading
Palmer, C (2008) Trees and Forests of North America. Abrams.