Bur oak is a species of white oak that produces the largest acorns of any North American species. These large sweet acorns make it an important source of food for wildlife such as, red squirrels, wood ducks, white-tailed deer, rabbits, and there have even been reports of black bears tearing off branches to get at the large mast. Red-tailed hawks, screech owls, and flying squirrel all nest in bur oaks. They are highly drought resistant, fire tolerant, and are capable of living up to 400 years old. Bur oaks continue to produce acorns up until they reach 400 years old, older than any other American oak. However, like other oaks they are very slow-growing. Due to initial focus on root establishment, they grow a few inches to a foot per year for it’s first 5 years of life. This tree is a long-term investment that can be enjoyed for generations.