Quercus chrysolepis is an evergreen tree with significant-sized spreading, horizontal branches, and a broad, rounded crown; it attains a height of 6–30 meters (20–100 feet) and often forms as a shrub.

Exceptionally large specimens are found in the mountains of Southern California, and rank among the largest oaks in North America.

The elliptical to oblong leaves are 2.5 to 8 cm (1 to 3+1⁄4 in) in length and about half as wide; they are short-pointed at the tip, and rounded or blunt at base.

These leathery leaves are a glossy dark green above, with a nether surface a dull golden down,[5] often becoming gray and nearly glabrous the second year.

[7] Acorns occur solitarily or in pairs, exhibiting lengths of 2–5 cm; these fruits are variable in size and shape, but generally ovoid, turban-like with a shallow, thick cup of scales densely covered with yellowish hairs; the stalk is barely evident.

[12] Those populations tend to be intermediate in overall morphology, but all lack the diagnostic trichomes and biochemical markers of Q. palmeri; they are best classified as Q. chrysolepis affinity Q. palmer.

[3] After forest fires, canyon live oak regenerates vigorously by basal sprouting, and the clonal diversity of this species has been shown to be high.

[18] The ability of Q. chrysolepis to compete with other dominant trees within its range has been analyzed from the standpoint of leaf architecture and photosynthetic capability.

[19] Canyon live oak gives functional habitat for many fauna by providing perching, nesting, resting, or foraging sites for numerous species of birds, and shade and cover for diverse other mammals.

Canyon live oak woodlands serve as excellent mountain lion habitat because of the large population of deer frequenting these areas.