I was given this sapling from my local recycling center when I took in the Christmas tree. What is it? Thank you, Ellen in central Texas

It looks like an Oak tree...Quercus sp.

Some kind of Oak.

The oak sapling looks way to close to the building, just saying.
Welcome to the site.

I'm not good with Oak but could that be a Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)? The way the leaves are incised should be some kinda id indicator.

certainly an oak, and yes way too close to the building, but may still be in a pot yet?

Hi, thanks for the replies. That is actually the backyard fence a couple feet behind the tree.

In a few short years the oak will be growing against the fence. It needs to be at least 5-6 feet away from the fence, ideally more since the tree will get quite big. Good looking seedling though.

If it is a Bur Oak it will be a slower than average grower, but still will need more room - unless you are willing to just let it move the fence out of its way as it grows.

That is definitely Quercus macrocarpa, by leaf morphology, conformation of stems, and growing location.

Excellent long term plant investment; as stated, give it plenty of room for long life and prosperity.

Impressive Bur Oak in Bloomington, Illinois - winter aspect



Same tree - summer splendor



Interior canopy images






May your youngster aspire to greatness...