The habit in youth is pyramidal-oval and oval-rounded to rounded at maturity. The lower branches are upswept so minimal pruning is required compared to some other oaks. Bark is reminiscent of White Oak from a distance, perhaps not as scaly, gray to brownish gray. The leaves are dark green and somewhat leathery. They turn a rich yellow-brown to tannin brown in fall and abscise earlier than those of other oaks.
The common name is derived from the cap that almost completely encloses the nut. It will withstand considerable flooding. It might be worth considering for especially difficult sites.