Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Bur Oak are 6″ to 12″ long with 5 to 9 rounded lobes and roughly obovate. They are a dark green and leathery. They change to a yellowish-brown color in the fall. The leaves typically have a narrow “waist” (deep sinuses on each side) halfway down the leaf. The leaf tends to be much thicker above this waist line and thinner below.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs of the Bur Oak are yellowish-brown and sometimes has corky ridges. The buds are usually pubescent and round. It also has many terminal buds.
Bark Identification
The Bur Oak has dark gray to brown bark with deep furrows.
Fruit Identification
The Bur Oak has large, fringed acorns that have on average a 2″ diameter. Over half the cup is covered in scales, which culminate in a fringe of tiny fingers. The nut is edible if properly cooked and prepared.
[photo forthcoming]
Flower Identification
The male flowers of the Bur Oak are yellow-green, long catkins. They are typically 2″ to 4″ long. The female flowers are green with some red tint. They are single, short spikes.
[photo forthcoming]