musclewood, bluebeech - Betulaceae Carpinus caroliniana

Foliage

musclewood, bluebeech Foliage

Bark

musclewood, bluebeech Bark

Bud

musclewood, bluebeech Bud

Twig

musclewood, bluebeech Twig

Fruit

musclewood, bluebeech Fruit

Form

musclewood, bluebeech Form

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Taxonomy

Cladeangiosperm
FamilyBetulaceae
GenusCarpinus
Speciescaroliniana
Common Namemusclewood, bluebeech
iTree CodeCACA18

Plant Form

FormTree: rounded crown
Height30 feet
Spread20 feet
DeciduousYes

Identification Description

Foliagelong, oval with pointed tip, finely serrated edge and V-shaped veins Leaf Type  Information Icon Simple
Barkthin, smooth gray; rippled wood, gives the trunk & branches a “muscled” appearance
Budsmall pointed, reddish/brown with distinct overlapping scales (imbricate) Bud Arrangement Information Icon Alternate
Twiggray/brown, slender, zig-zag
Flowercatkins green/yellow; male: are slender and pendulous (formed same year); female: are shorter; male and female on the same tree (monoecious)
Fruita leafy bract hanging groups with a small nutlet underneath in a "stacked" bunch
Fall Colorred, orange, yellow

Site Characteristics

USDA Zones   info for zones pH LevelsSalt Tolerance
Min3b Min4.0 SoilIntolerant
Max9a Max7.4 SprayIntolerant

Shade ToleranceDrought ToleranceAllelopathy
Tolerant Intolerant No

Species Status

Nebraska Native
U.S. Native Yes Check
Region of OriginUnited States, Canada
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