Smooth grey bark becomes fissured and black with age. Inner bark is yellow and was formerly used in tanneries as a dye. Glossy lobed dark green leaves are pointed and hairy on the undersides. Acorns are ⅓–¾" long and half-enclosed by the cap. Once a tree for interior finish work, ships, pallets and dowels. The Maine state champion tree in Fryeburg rings in at 73' tall with a spreading crown of the same width.

Typically found growing in southern Maine but is worth trialing elsewhere—it may begin to thrive farther north in our changing climate. Common to upland forests. Native to eastern North America. Z4. (1–3' bare-root trees)