Uncommon small tree of uplands, most often growing on poor, dry sites. Intolerant of shade. The large, coarse leaves are club-shaped, thick, glossy above, and hairy below. Water Oak (Quercus nigra) also has club-shaped leaves, but is not otherwise similar - it's a large tree of wet areas, with much smaller, smooth leaves and less rough bark.

Like other oaks, the staminate (male) flowers are in drooping catkins.

Orange Co., NC 4/12/08.

Scotland Co., NC 4/20/05.

Fall foliage is red to brown.

Durham, NC 11/18/06.

Blackish, blocky bark of a large tree.