Bur Oak - Quercus macrocarpa

Quercus macrocarpa, Bur Oak, is a perennial hardwood tree native to Michigan and the UP. According to Michigan Flora, Bur Oaks favor rich bottomlands, river banks, or lake shores, and even dry, sandy, open upland forests. The USDA Forest Service says it is one of the most drought resistant of the North American oaks. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/quercus/macrocarpa.htm Over their 200-300 year life span, they may reach heights of 80 to 100 feet. However, they are of ecological and aesthetic value from the moment they are planted. 
 
Oaks are a keystone host plant - meaning they host (are eaten by) more moths and butterflies than ANY OTHER SPECIES in our area. Oaks can host upwards of 400 different species of insect on a single plant. Combine that with their large size and they have remarkable ability to host insects and feed birds. This makes planting an oak the single best thing you can do to help the environment, stop the decline of pollinators and beneficial insects, support birds, sequester carbon, reduce soil temperature, and retain moisture. All from one single little plant. And don't be daunted by the fact that it is little. Caterpillars can make use of an oak no matter how small, and oaks are designed to tolerate such munching. 
 
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." - Chinese Proverb
 
Want more inspiration, coupled with well-researched data? Check out The Nature of Oaks, by Doug Tallamy. NEW: you can now purchase a gift set of Tallamy's book plus a beautiful Bur Oak.
 
We source these from a downstate nursery who reports that they use pesticides, but not Neonicotinoids.