July 19, 2005
American Hophornbeam, Blue Beech, or Musclewood
Carponus caroliniana
The several common names for this small understory tree come from the seeds, which resemble the hops used in making beer, the color of the bark, which is grey-blue, and the texture of the surface, which is smooth and sinuous. The close-grained, strong, dense wood from these trees has traditionally been used for handles, levers, and fuel.