Leaves: alternate, simple, deciduous, elliptical; less than 12.7 cm long, margin double serrate, asymmetrical base; often rough above
Flowers: spring, before leaf out; small
Fruit: samara 13 mm long, hairy margin; spring as leaves open
Bark: grayish, furrowed; brown and buff colored layers when cut
Range: eastern U.S.; widely planted elsewhere
Importance: one of best known shade trees of the world; tough wood used for cooperage, veneer, furniture
Best Recognized Features:
1. Asymmetrical leaf with double-serrate margin
2. Brown glabrous acute bud
3. Alternate brown-white bark layers