Blue Beech - Carpinus caroliniana

Also commonly called Musclewood and American Hornbeam (sometimes Ironwood but that more properly refers to Ostrya virginiana).

Features: Its attractive, smooth gray bark explains the 'muscle' name. This is a great small to medium sized tree. As a member of the Birch family, it produces catkins as its flower and fruit. Highly adaptable to many soil types.

Light: Partial to full sun

Soil: many types, dry to moist

Height: 15 to 25 ft.

Width: 10 to 20 ft.

Blooms: spring

Flower color: yellow to light brown

Fall color: orange red

Special note: loved by birds

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plant Database

Photos: Possibility Place 1, Illinois Wildflowers 2, North Carolina State University 3.