A small to medium sized tree reaching up to 40 to 50 feet tall, usually with a slender crown. Bark - At first smooth, but becomes scaly to corky, gray-brown. Twig: Stout, light brown to gray, opposite buds are nearly black, first lateral buds appear some distances below terminal, nearly circular leaf scar. Leaves: opposite, pinnately compound, 7 to 11 sessile, serrated leaflets, whole leaf 10 to 14 inches long, dark green above, lighter below with tufts of brown hair. Flowers monoecious or with seperate male and female trees, female flowers in loose panicles; males in tighter dense clusters, both appear before the leaves in early spring. Fruit a samara with a wide wing and an indistinct seed cavity, 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, borne in hanging clusters.

Diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative (leaves)

Plants For A Future

The inner bark has been used as a tonic for the liver and stomach, to check vaginal discharge and to treat painful urination. An infusion of the inner bark has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes.