Bur oak

Quercus macrocarpa Michx.

Family: FagaceaeZones: 3 to 8 per NC State

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

fruits (acorns), leaves

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

gastrointestinal

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Horses: NC State lists bur oak as a problem for horses. Acorns and leaves are the poisonous parts, and acorns can block the digestive tract.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 8 per NC State
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water needs: low
Mature size: 70 to 80 ft tall (21 to 24 m) and 70 to 80 ft wide per NC State
Where it comes from: Central and eastern North America, from the Great Plains east, per NC State. NC State says it may be native to North Carolina.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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