86 



Native Trees of Canada 



has a range in this country from Nova Scotia to Manitoba, and is found farther 

 north and west than any other of our eastern oaks. 



The cro\^^l is broad and round, and the branches are wide-spreading, except in 

 the northwestern part of its range, where it is often Httle better than a shrub and 

 is known by the name of "scrub oak." 



The tree is confined mostly to the rich bottom lands and sides of valleys. 



The bark is brown and flaky, but somewhat firmer in appearance than that of 

 the eastern white oak. The bark on twigs that are from three to four seasons old, 

 forms corky ridges or wings which remain for several years, disappearing as the 



BUR OAK 

 Q. /J7ocrocar/)a 



branch becomes older. This peculiarity forms one of the best features for disting- 

 uishing this tree from the other oaks. 



The winter buds are ^ to 34 in. long, a light reddish-brown in colour, and 

 frequently have a somewhat flattened appearance as though pressed against the 

 twig. 



The leaves vary greatly in size and outline, but nevertheless bear a marked 

 resemblance. The long, deep notches on either side of the main rib, which almost 

 meet and cut the leaf in two, are very characteristic and a good distinguishing 

 feature. They are thick, leathery leaves, bright green and shiny above, and some- 

 what hairy on the underside. 



