Musclewood (Carpinus Caroliniana)

A wonderful understory tree that prefers part sun and moist soils. Perfect for suburban and urban lots. Prized for its contorting limbs and bark. Stellar orange fall color and leaves that stay on all winter are a plus that could be used as a screen in intimate settings. 

Also called: Blue Beech, American Hornbeam, and Ironwood, not to be confused with Ostrya virginiana, which is also called Ironwood, American Hop-hornbeam, and Eastern Hop-hornbeam--because none of this is confusing and is not an example of why we should just rely on botanical names (please note sarcasm).  

Proper plant profile coming soon...