Form: This is a medium sized tree reaching from 75 - 100 ft. in height and 2 -3 ft in dbh.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; simple

Shape: broadly ovate; inequilateral

Margin: serrate

Texture: glabrous

Venation: pinnate

Bark: The bark is greenish when young, but dark gray with shallow furrows when older.

Twigs and buds: The twig is greenish red and zigzags. It normally lacks terminal buds.

Flowers and fruit: The fruit is ovid, tomentose, and nutlike. It forms in a cluster attached to leaf base somewhat like a "fishing lure".

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the "fishing lure" looking fruit and the reniform leaf that has an inequilateral base. Also, look for it growing with several main stems even when older.

Range: Maine west to Minnesota south to north Arkansas and east to western North Carolina.

Silvics: It is tolerant of shade and prefers moist to mesic upland sites.

Ecological and cultural importance: It is an important wood producer in the northern hardwood stands of the Great Lakes region. It is browsed by white tailed deer and wood ducks use tree cavities for nesting.