Quercus ilicifolia is a deciduous tree or shrub growing occasionally reaching a height of 6 meters (20 feet) but usually much smaller.

In Maine, it is found in deciduous forests alongside red maple (Acer rubrum), gray birch (Betula populifolia), and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides).

On Cape Cod, it occurs with pitch pine (Pinus rigida) and broom crowberry (Corema conradii).

[6] Quercus ilicifolia is also present in the Piedmont of North Carolina, where it is listed as a state endangered plant.

As a result, it does not tolerate shade and requires disturbance to remove other plant species so it can receive sunlight.

This oak species is the primary or sole larval host for 29% of the rare or endangered Lepidopterans in southern New England and southeastern New York.