• broad, flat
  
• simple
  
• not lobed
  
• coarse teeth
  
• leaf 5" - 8" long, deep teeth
• longer, slender stem

• acorn
  
• cup without fringe, without long stalk
  
• acorn no longer than 1"
  
• scales not swollen, mostly flat
  
• deeper cup
  
• cup covers 1/3 of nut
• nut usually dark brown

The light gray or silvery-white bark of this tree resembles that of the White Oak. The tree grows well on the rich soils of bottomlands, but it also is found on drier hillsides. Although widely distributed in Ohio, it is most common on the limestone soils of the southwestern part of the state. The strong, durable wood is used for railroad ties, fuel and construction lumber. Its inclination to check badly during drying, however, makes it of little value for cabinetry and better furniture. Reportedly the acorns are "sweeter" than those of any other oak.

Bark