Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Tree on lawn near sidewalk, corner Portage Road and Grove Street Extension
- One of eight oak species found throughout Maine’s forests and landscapes; extensive native distribution through Canada and U.S.
- One of the taller oaks, massive trunk; low-maintenance, long-lived tree.
- Cup of acorn covered with a scale or bur near the rim, hence name “bur oak”; about half the acorn enclosed by the cup.
- Term macrocarpa derives from Greek and refers to the fruit/acorns (carpa) being large (macro).