Ironwood

Carpinus caroliniana
IRONWOOD
Betulaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates R-9 (south side of Baker Building), N 39°11'9'' W 75°32'46''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:

small deciduous tree
etymology: Carpinus = latin name; caroliniana = of Carolina
also called American hornbeam, and musclewood
leaves simple, egg-shaped, toothed, alternate
monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant); flowers small, in catkins
fruit small, dry, with conspicuous leafy bracts; wind-dispersed
bark distinctive; looks “muscular”
wood very hard, hence common name ”ironwood”
very shade-tolerant

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)