A medium-sized, very tolerant tree of the eastern U.S with root suckers. It is a component of the climax hardwood forests. Leaves are deciduous, 3-6" long, elliptical to oblong-ovate, serrate with sharp incurved teeth, somewhat papery, and penniveined. Twigs are slender, lance-shaped, and imbricate with stipule scars. The terminal bud is about 1" long. Fruit is 2 or 3 edible nuts within a small bur with soft spines. Bark is a thin, smooth, light gray.