Bur Oak vs White Oak - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs White Oak

Quercus alba

Quercus macrocarpa

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

White Oak
Bur Oak

White Oak is large, long-lived tree with an irregular trunk divided into spreading, often horizontal, stout branches. A highly adaptable tree, White Oak features green acorns and beautiful green leaves that turn red-purple in the fall.

With a huge growth in bourbon and scotch over the past few decades there is an emerging shortage of white oak that is the primary tree used for cask barrels and aging.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

Bur Oak has a wide distribution but is one of the only oaks that will grow well on the prairies. Bur Oak produces deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn golden yellow to brown in the fall.

Its acorns are round and half enclosed by a mossy fringed cup.

Although slower growing, this long lived tree eventually becomes a popular large ornamental tree for driveways, parks, and the front of industrial buildings. Popular as a memorial or dedication tree.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

White Oak Quick Facts

Bur Oak Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 8 m (28 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: red-pink changing to bright yellow-green
Fall colour: dark red
Fall colour: yellow to golden brown
Nuts: acorns
Nuts: small acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON, QC
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: blue oak, burr oak, mossycup oak, scrub oak