Quercus macrocarpa (Bur oak) Fagaceae (Beech family)

Oak south of Catt Hall.

  The bur oak is native to the eastern US, extending into south central US. It is the most widely distributed native oak in Iowa and the most abundant tree in the forests of the western and north central parts of the state. Due to its thick bark, the bur oak was able to withstand prairie fires and could grow on the edges of the plains, making it a forest fringe species. The bur oak is a considerably important timber tree in the US. Although it makes an excellent shade tree, the bur oak is seldom planted in urban areas, as young trees are difficult to transplant, slow to grow and the mature tree has an extensive root system.

Trees by botanical name

Trees by common name