Common bottomland (wet site) species on coastal plains and the Mississippi valley region named for the "lyre-shaped" leaves. Leaves are deciduous and non-paired with variable sinuses. Twigs are 1/8" , ovoid globose, and pubescent with persistent stipules at the twig tip. Fruit is up to 1", generally wider than long, and almost enclosed in an unfringed cap. Bark is similar to Q. alba, often with large, irregular plates.