Quercus rotundifolia is a medium to large tree, usually 8–12 m (26–39 ft) in height, but can reach up to 15 m (49 ft) with a large, dense, rounded canopy. It has small, leathery, dark-green leaves with a glaucous, densely pubescent underside usually suborbicular to elliptical or lanceolate and are generally spiny to dentate on a younger tree.[6][7][8] It has a semi-hemispheric cupule.[8]