A medium-sized, intermediate in tolerance, long-lived tree native to Pacific coastal slopes from California to Washington (only a shrub in WA). Leaves are persistent, 2-6", leathery, lanceolate to oblong-ovate, entire, often slightly revolute, and dark green above with minute scales below. Twigs are initially covered with golden scales which become red-brown and scurfy. Fruit is similar to Castanea dentata. Bark is initially smooth and dark gray, becoming red-brown with deep fissures dividing broad plates.