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.

This species is almost endemic to Florida.  Its range overlaps into southern Georgia and southeastern Alabama. The range includes all of Florida though it is  only going to occur where soil, drainage, and fire conditions are appropriate.