Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana)

Musclewood, also known as Blue Beech, is a small, often multi-trunked species that grows in the undergrowth of forests. It is a fairly common species, preferring moist, rich soils in sloped and upland forests where conditions are not too wet. It is incredibly shade tolerant and does not like to grow out in the open. It is designed as a Carolinian species.











Leaves are simple, smooth textured above and below with a pointed tip, rounded based, finely serrated edges and feathered veins. Many trees have leaves that look like this, especially the Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) although the bark of these two trees is incredibly different and is the main identification feature.


















The bark of Musclewood is responsible for this species curious name. The bark is light or dark grey and smooth textured with bulging striations and grooves. These grooves give the illusion of a flexing muscle. If you grip around the trunk of a Musclewood tree, it is easy to notice that the diameter of the trunk is not nearly circular like most trees, but is very uneven.


















The seeds of Musclewood are small, hard green nutlets that grow in pairs underneath a three lobed, leaf-like bracket. These cluster together on a dangling stem and mature in late summer an early autumn. They are eaten mainly by birds.