Carpinus caroliniana

Stacks Image 66
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)

Stacks Image 6
Stacks Image 76

    HIT REFRESH TO START LOCATION GRAPHIC