| Common Name: Ironwood, Musclewood, or Blue Beech |
| Family: Betulaceae |
| Zone: 3-9 |
| Average Size: 20-30’H x 15-25’W |
Identification:
- Smooth gray-blue bark with thick, rounded ridges resembling muscles
- Ovate-oblong leaf, doubly serrated, birch-like
- Small nutlet fruit with 3 lobed wing arranged in drooping clusters
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| Notes: Carpinus caroliniana is a small understory tree, generally found in deep, rich, moist soils along streams and in swamps and wet locations. Difficult to transplant and slow to establish, this species grows well in sun and shade and makes an interesting specimen in naturalistic settings. The smooth, slate gray bark is unmistakable with rippling muscle-like bulges. |
| Campus Location: School of Renewable Natural Resources, south lawn |
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