The foliage is grayish-green bright green and alternate, up to six inches in length. They are leathery and toothed on the margins. When young they are covered with brownish hairs; older leaves loose the hairs and persist for 3-4 years.

The nut resembles an acorn but the cap has short spines; they take 18 months to mature and are produced in clusters. It must be heavily leached, as it is quite bitter. The bark is rich in tannin and was utilized for tanning leather.

Tanoak is often used as a street tree. They do well in full sun or light shade, and are drought tolerant, requiring little care.

These trees are three years old and are grown from seed collected at in southwestern Oregon.