Click on the images help you identify an Bur oak.
Form
Height 80' or more under favorable conditions with a diameter of 36" to 48" or more; under unfavorable conditions not over 15' in height with gnarled branches covered with corky tissues; in dense forests trunk is straight with short branches; however, tree usually has a broad top of heavy spreading branches and a relatively short body.
Bark
Thick, deeply furrowed on surface with irregular platelike broken scales often slightly tinged with red. Image shows a harmless fungus causes outer bark to slough.
Leaf
Simple, alternate on stem, length 6" to 12"; crowded at ends of twigs; has pair of deep indentations near base and wavy notches on broad middle and upper portions; shiny, dark green turning yellow or brown in autumn.
Fruit (seed)
Acorn set deeply or almost enclosed in a fringed cup; diameter may reach 1" or more, however, it varies widely in respect to size and the degree to which the nut is enclosed in the mossy fringed cup; seed is bitter.
Range
One of the most common trees in Minnesota, extending far out on the prairies in the western part of the state; usually grows singly in open stands and in fields; requires moist, well-drained soil; easily propagated but grows slowly; moderately shade tolerant.
Wood uses
Heavy, hard, strong, tough, durable, rich brown; used for furniture, interior finish, flooring, structural material, and railroad ties.