Form: Small to medium sized tree reaching 30 to 40 ft. and 1 1/2 ft. in dbh

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate

Shape: inequilateral rounded base

Margin: serrate, but entire below the middle

Texture: pubescent below

Venation: 3 main veins originating at petiole

Bark: Brownish gray with a smooth surface and characteristic warts and ridges.

Twigs and buds: Zigzagging and slender, reddish brown in color. Buds are small and acute.

Flowers and fruit: Flowers are small and green in color. They are produced on stalks near the twig. Fruits are a drupe with a long stem. The drupe has an ovid shape and a purplish to dark red color.

Distinguishing characteristics: Tree has warty bark and a characteristic fruit. The leaf usually is serrated above the middle with 3 main veins.

Range: Central Wisconsin east to central New York. South to northern Georgia and west to central Arkansas.

Silvics: Occurs on rich, moist alluvial soils. However, it does occur on drier sites as well as on limestone outcrops.

Ecological and cultural importance: The wood is used as substitutes for white ash, hickory, and elm. It does have a low timber value. The fruit is eaten by a variety of birds and mammals. Especially notable species include: wild turkey, ringneck pheasant, mocking bird, and fox squirrels. Also commonly called beaverwood.