Deciduous tree up to 25 m tall. The bark is from dark brown to black, the crests are broad, irregular. Twigs from brown to red-brown (1.5-) 2-3.5 mm in diameter. Terminal buds are chestnut, ovate, 4-10 mm. Petioles 10-60 mm long, from bare to densely pubescent. Leaves in outline from ovate or broadly elliptic to obovate, 60–200 × 40–140 mm, with sharp lobes.
Acorns ripen in two years; The cup is saucer-shaped or cup-shaped, 13-27 mm high × 20-28 mm wide, covering 1 / 2-2 / 3 acorns. The fruit itself is 21-34 × 14-22 mm. It blooms in late spring.
It grows on slopes and valleys at altitudes of 300–2400 m in California and in the southern part of Oregon. It is found in mixed as well as oak and coniferous forests. The tree can grow on many types of soil, but does not tolerate waterlogging.
Native Americans preferred the acorns of this species among other species for the preparation of dishes from acorns. This acorn was the staple food for many Native American groups. For example , the Kawill Indians from the 4 oaks used preferred the Kellogg oak acorns. The reason for this was the excellent flavor and the most gelatinous texture obtained during cooking, which was one of the requirements for a good acorn porridge [2] . Native Americans recognized the importance of fire for this oak, and purposely lit fires in oak woodlands to promote the health of the oaks and provide them with a source of food. Wood is used for the manufacture of furniture, pallets and as building wood. Oak is used as an ornamental tree .