Species composition is variable and dependent on geography, topographic position, and soil chemistry. 1997 for associations currently described for the southeastern United States. The fairly open to dense, stunted Quercus canopy is typically greater than five meters tall. Relative dominance of the three nominal dominant Quercus species may vary greatly among occurrences. This alliance can also include associations with substantial Quercus laevis .
Examples typically occur in large, dense patches and often form thickets of dwarfed trees.
Less xeric sites may have greater cover of herbaceous species. Selaginella arenicola ssp. Although historically fire likely played an important role, this scrubby forest currently experiences low fire frequencies. Xeric soil conditions are believed to be a major factor in the stunted tree development and the sparse herbaceous layer. The coarse, acidic and generally deep sands include Betis, Briley, and Bienville loamy sands, on the Sparta and Catahoula geologic Formations.