Bur Oak vs American Elm - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs American Elm

Quercus macrocarpa

Ulmus americana

Bur Oak
American Elm

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.

American Elm is fast growing, tall tree with a recognizable and pleasing shape.

It's well suited for urban environments because of its non-invasive roots and ability to grow on harsh sites (quite salt tolerant). American Elm develops a wide, dense canopy that provides shade for many city streets around North America.

Bur Oak Quick Facts

American Elm Quick Facts

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Zone: 2b
Zone: 2a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Spread: 8 m (28 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: very long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: yellow to golden brown
Fall colour: bright yellow
Nuts: small acorns
Seeds: samara
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: blue oak, burr oak, mossycup oak, scrub oak
Other Names: water elm, whilte elm