Bur Oak, Mossycup Oak

Quercus macrocarpa

4185 12th Street

The bur oak is native to central and eastern North America, and is the state tree of Tennessee. It is called bur oak because the acorn is rough, shaggily fringed near its rim, and almost envelops the acorn like a bur. It can grow to over 100 feet and may be too large for the average home landscape, but does make an excellent park or large area tree. It is rugged and imposing, and is very cold-hardy.

Bur oak is in the white oak group, having rounded lobes on the leaves; (the red oak group has pointed leaf lobes). The white oaks tend to be slower growing, and reward the owner in time with their carefree majesty.

Nominated by: Pat Krug