Leaf: Alternate, simple, 6 to 10 inches long, oblong in shape, with 5 lobes, thickened texture. The two middle lobes are square, resulting in an overall cruciform
appearance. The upper surface has scattered stellate pubescence. The lower surface is pubescent.
Flower: Male flowers are green, borne in naked catkins, 2 to 4 inches long. Female flowers are reddish and appear as single spikes. Appearing with the leaves.
Fruit: Acorns are 1/2 to 2/3 inches long and ovoid. The cap is bowl-shaped and warty, covering 1/3 to 1/2 of the nut. Individual scales are more apparent than white
oak. Maturing in one year, ripening September to November.
Twig: Gray or tawny-tomentose and dotted with numerous lenticels. The multiple terminal buds are short, blunt, chestnut-brown in color, and pubescent, short,
threadlike stipules may be present.
Bark: Very similar to white oak or bur oak, but more reddish-brown in color.
Form: A small to medium-sized tree with a crown that has snarled and twisted branches.
