Oak Trees in Michigan

About 50% of Michigan's land area is forested. Oak trees comprise a major portion of these forests and 6 species of Oak are native: Bur, White, Swamp White, Pin, Black and Red. Most mature Oaks reach 60 - 80 feet in height with the Bur Oak somewhat larger.

Unfortunately for this Bur Oak, its feet have been smashed by an ill placed road!

The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) has been referred to as a sentinel tree or savanna tree. It typically likes to grow on its own and when driving Michigan roads you may notice solitary trees in large fields, in many cases these are Bur Oaks. They just don't like neighbors.

The Bur Oak is widespread throughout most of the U.S. but it is most spectacular on the great plains of the Midwest where at maturity, it can be seen for miles standing as a lone sentinel on many farms and roadsides.

On the National Register of Big Trees is a Bur Oak in Berrien, Michigan with a circumference of 313 inches, 73 feet in height and a spread of 117 feet. Not bad.