Burr Oak has several unique traits among large shade trees: fiddle-shaped foliage that is thick and large, bark on lower trunks that has thick, vertical flattened ridges with very deep furrows, large fringed acorns, and stout semi-corky twigs; in addition, the tree often stands alone in fields in the wild, displaying its bold texture of a massive trunk and huge spreading limbs from a distance, and being very drought tolerant due to its very deep taproot system. These trees grow 70-80 feet tall and enjoy full sun. Their acorns are a favorite among wildlife and they provide habitat for a variety of species including turkeys, deer, song birds, and small mammals. They can grow to be a century or older with massive hardwood trunks desired by woodworkers. 
 
Photo credit: Iowa Department of Natural Resources