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Bur Oak Chokecherry White Oak American Beech
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Image(s)
Scientific Name
Quercus macrocarpa
Prunus virginiana
Quercus alba
Fagus grandifolia
Family
Fagaceae
Rosaceae
Fagaceae
Fagaceae
Species Description
Grows in range of soil conditions. Unique fiddle-shaped leaves and fringed acorn caps. Acorn production during mast years can be messy to maintain. Oak wilt in the region is spreading and is of special concern when considering planting this species.
Small understory tree that produces root sprouts to form thickets. Showy clusters of white flowers and dark purple fruits. Susceptible to deer browse.
Grows in a wide range of habitats. One of the best oaks for fall foliage color. Acorn production during mast years can be messy to maintain.Oak wilt in the region is spreading and is of special concern when considering planting this species.
Beech leaf disease and beech bark disease presence makes this a less suitable species to plant. Prefers soil with humus/organic material. Produces root suckers. Sensitive to construction stress.
Climate Tolerance
Poor
NA
Very Good
Poor
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 8
2 to 7
3 to 9
3 to 9
Wildlife Benefits
Acorns food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host; cavity nesting site; bat roosting site; insect host, attracts woodpeckers
Nectar source for bees; fruit food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host
Acorns food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host; cavity nesting site; bat roosting site; insect host, attracts woodpeckers
Nuts food source for birds, mammals; cavity nesting site
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
477
381
477
126
Pollination Type
Wind
Pollinator
Wind
Wind
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-May)
Spring/Summer (Apr-Jul)
Spring (Mar-May)
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade
Full Sun to Part Shade
Full Sun to Shade
Part Shade to Shade
Bloom Color
Yellow
White
Green
Red
Yellow
Brown
Green
Yellow
Maximum Height
Large (75-100 ft)
Small (15-40 ft)
Large (75-100 ft)
Medium (40-75 ft)
Form
Tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Growth Rate
Slow
Rapid
Slow
Slow
Lifespan
Long (>200 yrs)
Short (<100 yrs)
Long (>200 yrs)
Long (>200 yrs)
Soil Type
Clay
Loam
Sand
Loam
Clay
Loam
Silt
Loam
Silt
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry
Dry - Moist
Moist - Dry
Moist
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU
FACU
FACU
FACU
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae
Arbuscular mycorrhizae
Ectomycorrhizae
Ectomycorrhizae
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant
Sensitive
Tolerant
Sensitive
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Oak wilt (less susceptible than red oak group)
Medium; Black knot, tent caterpillars
Medium; Oak wilt (less susceptible than red oak group)
High; Beech bark disease, beech leaf disease
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant
Tolerant
Tolerant
Sensitive
Urban Stress Tolerance
High
Low
Low
Low
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant
Tolerant
Tolerant to Salt in Soil
Sensitive
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant
Tolerant
Tolerant
Tolerant
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
Coefficient of Conservatism
6
2
6
7
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Native Status
OH-Native
OH-Native
OH-Native
OH-Native
NatureServe G-rank
G5
G5
G5
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Rare
  • Oak Mixed: Rare
  • Alluvial: Rare
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Absent
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Rare
  • Alluvial: Occasional
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Beech Mixed: Common
  • Oak Mixed: Abundant
  • Alluvial: Rare
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Absent
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
  • Beech Mixed: Abundant
  • Oak Mixed: Abundant
  • Alluvial: Occasional
  • Red Maple Mixed: Abundant
  • Ruderal: Rare