bur oak, (Quercus macrocarpa), North American timber tree belonging to the white oak group, distributed primarily throughout the central United States. It has become a popular ornamental and shade tree in urban areas because of its resistance to insect and fungal attack, drought, and air pollution. Previously common in oak savannas and prairies, the tree is well adapted to fire with its corky fire-resistant bark.
Often 25 meters (82 feet) tall, the tree may reach 50 meters (164 feet). Its leaves, about 25 cm (10 inches) long, are dark green and shiny above, dull and whitish beneath; the wide upper half of each leaf is separated from the narrow lower part by two deep sinuses. Bur oak is also called mossy-cup oak for its heavily fringed acorn cups.