Bur Oak vs Tulip Poplar - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs Tulip Poplar

Quercus macrocarpa

Liriodendron tulipifera

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Bur Oak
Tulip Poplar

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 Poplar 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 Poplar 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 Poplar Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 4a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 8 m (28 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: low


Fall colour: yellow to golden brown
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