Quick answer: Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is native to 33 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Heath Cajandig, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry-Wet |
| Soil | Sandy loam, clay loam, limestone-based soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 150 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts songbirds/ground birds/mammals, acorns feed birds/rodents/deer, larval host for Edwards Hairstreak and Horaces Duskywing |
Acorns and young leaves low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: stomach pain, constipation then bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst/urination
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Bur oak
Where is Bur oak native?
Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is native to 33 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Bur oak bloom?
Bur oak blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Bur oak need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Dry-Wet. Soil: Sandy loam, clay loam, limestone-based soils. Mature height: Up to 150 ft tall.
Is Bur oak good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts songbirds/ground birds/mammals, acorns feed birds/rodents/deer, larval host for Edwards Hairstreak and Horaces Duskywing.
Is Bur oak deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Bur oak is drought-tolerant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Bur oak toxic?
Acorns and young leaves low toxicity if eaten. Symptoms: stomach pain, constipation then bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst/urination.
Where can I buy real Bur oak seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Quercus macrocarpa on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Bur oak.
- Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.