Form: Small tree, 30 - 40 ft. in height.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; simple

Shape: oblong-ovate to oval

Margin: serrate

Texture: pubescent below

Venation:

Bark: It has greenish bark with white stripes when young. Older trees develop ridges and furrows and have a gun metal blue color.

Twigs and buds: The twig is slender and brown and often lacks a terminal bud.

Flowers and fruit: It has white, bell-shaped flowers and a nut-like fruit with 4 prominent wings.

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the Bell shaped flower, alternate ovate leaves, the 4-winged fruit, and it's distinctive bark.

Range: West Virginia south to Alabama west to Oklahoma.

Silvics: It is shade tolerant and prefers moist bottoms and low slopes

Ecological and cultural importance: Desirable landscape tree. Wood used in crafts. Squirrels eat the seeds.