Musclewood

Carpinus caroliniana

Foliage Type:

leaf

Arrangement:

simple, alternate

Distinguishing features: leaves - 1" to 5" long, ovate to elliptical, doubly serrate leaves - pointed at tip, rounded at the base petiole - up to 1/2" long, hairy trunk - twisted and fluted (muscular-appearing) bark - dark bluish gray

Habitats:	dry mesic sites mesic sites
Often confused with:	Hophornbeam Paper birch Yellow birch Beaked hazelnut
Ecological Value:	fruit eaten by grouse, bobwhite, pheasant and turkey and squirrels shoots "nipped" by deer and rabbit
Did You Know?	Musclewood occurs as an understory tree in hardwood stands. wood is heavy and tough, but decays rapidly on the ground.
Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:	charcoal made from Musclewood reportedly used for gunpowder