Moderately tolerant tree on moist to dry sites throughout the eastern U.S. except northern New England and the most important white oak. Leaves are deciduous with sinuses of various depth but more or less consistent on a particular leaf. Twigs are 1/8", ovoid-globose, and glabrous. Fruit is up to 1" long with warty scales and 1/4" enclosed in a bowl-like cap. Bark is ashy gray and generally platey.