Either unlobed, with large, rounded or bluntly pointed teeth, or which a few shallow, irregular, bluntly pointed or rounded. Dark green above, paler below with felt-like pubescence. Blunt, with fine capillary scales often present in the terminal bud cluster. Furrowed, with scaly ridges.
Scales sometimes curl back.
Acorn, maturing in one year. Enclosed for abut one-third of its length in a thick, scaly, slightly fringed cup. Prefers moist soil.