Form: Large tree ranging from 100 - 150 ft. and 2 - 7 ft. in dbh. Has spreading open crown.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; odd-pinnately compound; 9-19 leaflets

Shape: leaflets are often curved; inequilateral base

Margin: finely serrate

Texture: glabrous

Venation: pinnate

Bark: light brown to grayish-brown; smooth when young, becoming furrowed with ridges

Twigs and buds: Stout, red-brown in color with orange lenticels, buds valvate, acute, and long.

Flowers and fruit: nut - 4-winged with thin, dark brown husk. Flower is yellowish green and appears in catskins.

Distinguishing characteristics: Compound leaf with 9 - 16 serrated leaflets, distinctive nut, large tree.

Range: Along the Mississippi river from southern Iowa to Louisiana. Occur locally in Alabama and Kentucky.

Silvics: intolerant; moist, well-drained bottoms; mesic uplands

Ecological and cultural importance: Not important commercially; wood used for furniture and flooring. Nut eaten by a variety of wildlife. State tree of Texas.