[3][4] Q. faginea is a medium-sized deciduous or semi-evergreen tree growing to 20 metres (66 feet) tall, with a trunk up to 80 centimetres (31 inches) in diameter, with grey-brown bark.

The flowers are catkins, produced between March and April, almost always before holm oak, which grows in similar areas.

The acorns are oblong-ovoid, 2–2.5 cm long, maturing in 6 months to disperse in September or October.

The specific name faginea refers to the superficial resemblance of the leaves to those of the beech (Fagus).

The wood has been used traditionally as firewood and as timber for construction (beams and posts).