[2] Shrubby forms of the plant occur in dry areas, higher elevations, and poor soils.

The bark is reddish,[3] thin and smooth on young trunks; on older specimens it becomes thicker and platy.

The leathery evergreen leaves are dark green on the upper sides and golden underneath.

The tree may sprout from adventitious buds in the burl, a form of vegetative reproduction that is more common in dry areas where it is less likely that seedlings would become established.

[3] Chrysolepis chrysophylla is endemic to the Pacific coast of the United States, growing from extreme southern Washington through western Oregon, south to west-central California.

Habitat types where the tree may be found include coastal forests, woodlands, and chaparral.