A small tree on extremely dry sites from southern New England to the central Appalacians. The scientific name comes from the holly-like leaves. Leaves are deciduous, 3-7 lobed, leathery, and pubescent below. Twigs are less than 1/4" and glabrous. Fruit is 1/2" long with about 1/2 enclosed in a bowl-shaped cap. Bark is relatively smooth with small scales.