This thicket-forming, semi-evergreen shrub or large, spreading tree goes by many nicknames, including Texas Live Oak, Encino Molino, Escarpment Live Oak, and Tesmoli. It has a short, tapering trunk and gnarled branches and limbs that over time spread a great distance horizontally from the main trunk. It produces one inch long, spindle-shaped acorns that feed birds and mammals. Plateau Oak grows in full sun to partial shade, and in a variety of dry soils, including rocky, sandy, clay, or loam soils.