Oak tree type - Ask Extension
We transplanted this oak sapling in our yard and are having trouble identifying the type of oak that it is. Would you know?
Knowledgebase
Oak tree type #873544
Asked June 17, 2024, 10:23 PM EDT
We transplanted this oak sapling in our yard and are having trouble identifying the type of oak that it is. Would you know?
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Kate,
It appears to be a bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). But if it was a seedling or naturally occurring, many of the oaks freely hybridize with each other. But there at least a bur oak parent.
These can be very large trees - so hopefully it has space to grow. They are beautiful trees and can be very majestic. Enjoy!
It appears to be a bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). But if it was a seedling or naturally occurring, many of the oaks freely hybridize with each other. But there at least a bur oak parent.
These can be very large trees - so hopefully it has space to grow. They are beautiful trees and can be very majestic. Enjoy!
Dear Dr. O’Connor,
Thank you very much for your reply! There is a large bur oak like this across the street and we were hoping ours would get that big, but it did not survive the heat. Can you recommend a nice species of oak that will get large (~30-50 feet tall and wide) for an unshaded yard in Boulder? I read that chinkapin oaks are native and may do well in the sun. We will plant this fall perhaps.
Best regards,
Kate
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2024 1:29 PM
To: Kate Remley <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Oak tree type (#0143462)
Hi Kate,
Chinkapin isn't native to Colorado, but it is native to North America. It's an excellent tree and one that has done extremely well in the Front Range.
Other oaks to consider: Texas red oak, Shumard oak, and swamp white oak.
You may also consider contacting the City of Boulder Forestry office, as they may have other recommendations. There are two aliments affecting oak - drippy blight and kermes scale. They may have options of oaks that are less prone to these issues. https://bouldercolorado.gov/government/departments/forestry
Chinkapin isn't native to Colorado, but it is native to North America. It's an excellent tree and one that has done extremely well in the Front Range.
Other oaks to consider: Texas red oak, Shumard oak, and swamp white oak.
You may also consider contacting the City of Boulder Forestry office, as they may have other recommendations. There are two aliments affecting oak - drippy blight and kermes scale. They may have options of oaks that are less prone to these issues. https://bouldercolorado.gov/government/departments/forestry
