Form: This is a medium sized tree 50 - 60 ft. in height and 1-2 ft. in dbh.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate

Shape: form a cross; cuneate base

Margin: entire

Texture: glabrous and dark green above; glaucous and pubescent below

Venation: pinnate

Bark: The bark is gray with light patches, shallow furrows and narrow ridges similar to white oak but tighter.

Twigs and buds: Twigs are stout and somewhat tomentose. The buds are sub-globose and covered with chestnut brown scales.

Flowers and fruit: Green to red appearing in catskins.

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the gray tomentose twig, cruciform (cross shaped) leaf shape, and scaly bark similar to white oak.

Range: Massachusetts south to Florida west to Oklahoma and north to southern Indiana.

Silvics: It has intermediate tolerance of shade and most often occurs on dry uplands commonly on heavy soils.

Ecological and cultural importance: Wood resistant to decay, used in flooring siding and fence posts. Provides habitat for birds and mammals. Acorns eaten by deer, wild turkey, and rodents.