A small tree on dry sites of the Atlantic coastal plain, often with vertical leaf orientation. Leaves are deciduous and variable, generally with deep sinuses and spreading, facate lobes and axillary buds below. Twigs are to 1/2" and narrow with rusty pubescence above the middle. Fruit is to 1" long with 1/3 enclosed in a thin bowl-shaped cap with scales loose at the tips. Bark is dark with deep, irregular furrows and scaly, rough ridges.