Bur Oak vs Tulip Tree - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs Tulip Tree

Quercus macrocarpa

Liriodendron tulipifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

Bur Oak
Tulip Tree

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.

Tulip Tree is the perfect shade tree for wide open spaces. It has a shallow and extensive root system, so ensure you give it space to grow. The attractive and showy, yellow-orange, tulip shaped flowers are where this tree gets its name.

Tulip Tree is somewhat rare in Canada but highly sought after as it is difficult to grow. Does best in a moist, well-drained soil.

Bur Oak Quick Facts

Tulip Tree Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.49 - SAVE UP TO 25%
Zone: 2b
Zone: 4a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 8 m (28 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, oval to pyramidal
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: low
Suckering: none


Foliage: 4-lobed somewhat spade-shaped
Fall colour: yellow to golden brown
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: greenish yellow, tulip-shaped
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Nuts: small acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Native to: ON
Other Names: blue oak, burr oak, mossycup oak, scrub oak
Other Names: canoewood, tulip poplar, tulip-poplar, tuliptree, yellow poplar