Form: Medium sized tree 40 - 60 ft. in height and a dbh of 1 ft.; irregular crown

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; simple

Shape: elliptical to oblong

Margin: entire

Texture: small hairs along the midrib

Venation: parallel

Bark: The bark is dark gray often tinged with red and deeply furrowed.  

Twigs and buds: Twigs are slender dark green to red. Buds are partially embedded without a terminal bud.

Flowers and fruit: Small bell-like flowers yield an excellent honey.

Distinguishing characteristics: sharp hairs along the midrib*, sour tastes when chewed, lacking terminal bud, deeply furrowed bark.

Range: Pennsylvania south to Louisiana and east into Florida.

Silvics: tolerant; dry to mesic uplands; acid soil

Ecological and cultural importance: The wood was traditionally used for sled runners as well as tool handles and pulp. Sprouts are browsed by white-tailed deer.