Carpinus caroliniana Betulaceae Leaves are simple, alternate, deciduous, thin, doubly serrate, elliptical to ovate and hairy underneath.
Twigs are slender, zigzag, and red-brown.
Buds are pointed and brown-maroon striped. Bark is gray, smooth, and fluted with a sinewy appearance. Fruit is a nutlet on a 3-lobed leafy bract. Tolerant of shade. Click on photo to enlarge.