The tree inhabits dense oak forests to open oak forests or sub-savanna ecosystems, from sea level up to 1,900 m (6,200 ft) a.s.l.[1] It can live in all altitudes in Portugal, switching with Quercus suber.[2] The grasses and herbs support low-density mixed animal grazing at the wetter time of year, and when the grasses die out in summer the acorns from the oak trees (at densities of 30 to 50 trees per hectare), plus oak foliage and some saved crops support the animals until the grasses return.[3] It can tolerate frost and short periods of light snow.[7]