Dry to mesic upland forests and woodlands, mostly acidic and nutrient-poor; occasionally in wet flatwoods and other low, somewhat poorly drained habitats. Common in the Virginia Coastal Plain and Piedmont; infrequent and limited to the lowest elevations in mountains
The wildlife value is high. The acorns are eaten by woodpeckers, blue jays, small mammals, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Oak trees support a wide variety of Lepidopteran. Also supports the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), Edward's Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii), Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album), Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) and Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis). It attracts a wide range of insects which in turn feed the birds. Provides cover and nesting areas for wildlife
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
Abdominal pain, constipation then diarrhea (occasionally bloody), depression, frequent urination, discolored urine, jaundice; acorns can obstruct the digestive tract
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