The bur oak Quercus macrocarpa is a large, long-lived, deciduous tree known for its distinctive, fringed acorn caps and deeply furrowed bark. It typically grows 60-80 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown and massive trunk. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and deeply lobed, with a distinctive fiddle-shaped appearance. The tree is adaptable to various conditions, including drought and urban environments, and provides valuable habitat and food for wildlife.