Quercus falcata Michx. growth rate, importance (basal area), tree form, and bark texture were examined over a local gradient in soil moisture (as inferred from site vegetation, slope position and soil texture) . At drier sites, growth rate was found to be slower, bark was found to be rougher, and the maximum tree height was found to be smaller. Quercus falcata basal area also differed greatly between study sites. However, contrary to expectation, changes in basal area did not parallel changes in diameter growth rate, suggesting the possible importance of historical factors in determining the distribution of this species. The frequency of occurrence of the two varieties of Quercus falcata, variety falcata and Q. falcata var. pagodaefblia Ell., was compared among the four study sites, and within one study site. As was found by Caplenor et al. (1968), variety falcata reaches its maximum abundance under drier conditions, while variety pagodaefolia is most abundant in moister environments.