American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

I’m native to NY state and Tompkins County

 

Another common name of mine is Musclewood because my bark is smooth and looks like muscles.

 

I have extremely hard wood and was once used to make bowls, tool handles and ox yokes. 

 

Many insects use my leaves as food and to lay eggs on. I'm the preferred host of  leafhoppers

 

My nutlets are eaten by many birds including the Wood Duck, Mallard, Northern Cardinal, Evening Grosbeak, American Goldfinch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruffed Grouse and  Wild Turkey.