Bur Oak vs White Oak - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs White Oak

Quercus macrocarpa

Quercus alba

Bur Oak
White Oak

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 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 Quick Facts

White Oak Quick Facts

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


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


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