The bluebeech, or musclewood, is a large shrub or small tree seldom taller than 30 feet with a short, often crooked trunk and a bushy, flat-topped crown. The dull, dark green leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate, oval and 2 to 4 inches long, with the veins running directly to the teeth. The fall color can be a spectacular canary yellow or scarlet if the tree is from selected parent stock or in a favorable location.
Flowers form as male and female catkins, appearing with the leaves in early spring.
The fruit is a small, one-seeded flat, unwinged nut attached to the base of a leafy bract. The bracts are seemingly strung together and dangle in clusters from the branches. The leaf scars are half-round and very small, each with 3 bundle scars. The buds are ovoid with about 12 scales in 4 vertical rows. The bud scales are brown or red with white margins.