Cherrybark Oak is a large native deciduous tree with a broad rounded crown, and a straight trunk that develops vertical cherry like ridges on the bark as it matures.  The lobes of the glossy deep green foliage with pale undersides are tipped with bristles and turn yellow brown in fall.  The small acorns have scaly cups and take two growing seasons to mature.  Best grown in full sun and rich well-drained acidic soils. 

Quercus pagoda supports a wide variety of moths and butterflies, including: the Imperial Moth, Banded Hairstreak, Edward's Hairstreak, Gray Hairstreak, White-M Hairstreak, Horace’s Duskywing, and the Juvenal’s Duskywing.