The leaves of the this oak are fairly long and narrow and do not have lobes as is typical of the oaks. A relatively fast growing tree with dark green leaves turning gorgeous russet brown and yellow tones in fall. Holds its leaves in winter especially if hit by a hard freeze while still green. Bark is gray-brown with broad, low ridges. Could be the longest lived oak when planted in ornamental conditions. New root pruning and fertilization techniques in nursery production have made oaks easier to transplant and have given them faster growth rates. Red-banded hairstreak butterfly caterpillars feed on decaying sumac leaves and oak litter.

Oak species, as a group, serve as host plants for caterpillars of more than 500 different kinds of butterflies and moths. This is more than any other genus of tree. The caterpillars (larvae) feed on foliage, but without harming the trees. Oaks are vitally important in supporting nature’s web of life.