A tree found on dry sites and rocky ridges throughout the Appalachian region. The common name refers to leaf appearance. Leaves are deciduous, elliptical, and coarsely serrate. Twigs are 1/4", acute, and glabrous. Fruit is 1-3/8" long and stalked. The nut is lustrous and half enclosed in a thin cap with fused scales. Bark is very deeply furrowed.