This species is found in the foothills and open valleys along the western boundary of the park up to about the 2,000 foot elevation. It is an evergreen tree. The foliage is dense, shiny, and of a rich green color (yellow green on underside), with individual leaves being from one to three inches long, of leathery texture, and with the margins being either entire (smooth not toothed) or characterized by spiny teeth. The acorns, one to one and one-half inches long at maturity, are generally conical, tapering at the apex, and enclosed at the base by reddish-brown, scaly cups. The tree is usually from 30 to 50 feet tall and one to three feet in diameter, with a short trunk and wide spreading branches which produce a broad, rounded crown.

As it is very rare in Yosemite National Park it will not often be found in this area by the average visitor. However, it is abundant in the foothills to the west and will be readily noted along the approach roads to the park which pass through that region.