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Omaha tree guide

Bur oak

Quercus macrocarpa

Nebraska Forest Service describes bur oak as the state's most common native oak, occurring naturally in the eastern third of Nebraska.

Sources checked: 2026-08-02Next source review: 2027-02-02Independent professional review: not completed

What this page can tell you

How to recognize this kind of tree

This profile is bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa, in the white-oak group.

These species-level facts cannot diagnose the condition of one particular tree, prove that work is needed, or determine whether it is hazardous.

What to look for

  • Rounded-lobed leaves distinguish the white-oak group; bur oak also has deeply furrowed bark and a conspicuously fringed acorn cap.
  • The Nebraska Street Trees guide lists about 60 feet mature height and width for planning.

What changes by season

Use whatever features are available now. Missing leaves, flowers, fruit, or pods often just means the timing is wrong—not that the tree cannot be a match.

When leaves are on

Compare alternate leaves or buds staggered along the twig, one leaf blade per stem, and rounded leaf lobes. Use more than one feature and do not force a match from leaf shape alone.

When leaves are off or hard to see

Compare deep furrows, a broad spreading tree, and a rounded tree. Bark and overall shape can help narrow it down, but neither confirms the species by itself.

When fruit or seeds are present

an acorn with a fringed cap and acorns can provide another useful clue. Not seeing them may simply reflect season, age, sex, or variety.

Typical mature size

The Nebraska Street Trees guide lists about 60 feet mature height and width for planning.

Similar Omaha trees

These are the closest lookalikes among the 10 common local trees in this guide. Other species can still look similar.

Eastern cottonwood

Populus deltoides

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, whether the leaf is simple or compound, and bark. Check leaf shape and fruit or seeds next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

Northern red oak

Quercus rubra

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, whether the leaf is simple or compound, and fruit or seeds. Check leaf shape and bark next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

Important Omaha-area context

Where oak wilt is a concern, Nebraska Forest Service says oak pruning should be restricted from April through June.

This does not prove that a particular tree is infested, diseased, structurally unsound, or in need of removal.

What to consider for an individual tree

Unusual canopy browning can have more than one cause; the profile cannot diagnose oak wilt or determine individual-tree risk.

Confirm current pruning timing and evaluate the individual tree before work.

Sources