Slower growing and generally smaller than live oak. Extremely drought tolerant. In environments where there is fire, this is often a small clonal shrub or cluster of small trees. Specimen tree, shade tree. Thicket in dry sandy areas.

The showy part of this plant is the bracts which are pink to lavender. Flowers are actually small, whitish to yellowish, with purple spots. Wildflower. Can be used in informal gardens or as individual plants in ones with a more tended look.