Habitat: Dry to, occasionally, mesic upland forests and woodlands; most characteristic of dry, acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Common in the mountains (although absent from the higher elevations) and piedmont; frequent in the coastal Plain.
Wildlife value: Supports a wide variety of Lepidopteran (butterflies and moths). The tree is an important source of food for many wildlife species. For an oak, it grows fast and bears acorns in 20 years. Acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, blue jays, small mammals, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and black bear and are can be eaten by people after tannins are leached or boiled out. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees
Notes: Long-lived, durable, and easy to grow.