An intolerant oak found on dry sites throughout the southeast. The species name comes from stellate pubescence and the common name comes from the use of the wood for fenceposts. Leaves are deciduous, cruciform-shaped, and tomentose below with scattered pubescence above. Twigs are 1/8", subglobose, and pubescent. Fruit is up to 1" long with 1/3 enclosed in a bowl-like cap with thin scales. Bark is similar to Q. alba but often red-brown and with long ridges.