The densely branching crown is at first broad ovoid but later becomes rounder and more regular in shape than Q. robur. Only bark that is old develops deep grooves. Young twigs are greenish-brown. Q. petraea's leaves, yellowish green with a clearly stalked leaf, emerge 2 weeks later than those of Q. robur (which have very short stalks). The leaves are regular in shape, obovate to oval and regularly lobed. The lobes are larger than Q. robur's. The leaves are leathery and often remain hanging on the tree in a dried state during the winter. The ovoid stalkless acorns (Q. robur's have long stalks) are in groups of several and are one-third to a quarter enclosed by the cupule: the latter is covered with small contiguous scales. Quercus petraea also grows in dry soil provided that it is not too poor. Like Quercus robur, Quercus petraea is a good producer of wood. The tree grows a little higher and usually forms a trunk that reaches to the top of the crown.