Heartwood and sapwood are similar, with sapwood lighter in colour; most pieces have a reddish tone.  Slightly redder than white oak.

Open, slightly coarser than white oak.  Plainsawn boards have a plumed or flared appearance; riftsawn has a tighter grain pattern, low figuring; quartersawn has a flake pattern, sometimes called tiger rays or butterflies.

Great variation in the grain depending on origin of the wood and growing seasons.