Ironwood

Description:

Leaves are simple and alternate, soft to the touch, the blade oval-elliptic, 2 to 5 inches long, 1 to 2 inches wide, tapered to pointed tip, the base rounded and symmetrical, sharply double-toothed along the edges. Fruiting branches seen on an ironwood tree. Fruit is a small, oval nutlet enclosed in an inflated, papery sac 1/3 to 1 inch long. Male and female flowers are born separately on the same tree in dangling clusters called "catkins".

Habitat:

Spotted at Tamarac near the Visitor Center. They are found in part shade, sun, average to dry soil. Native plant to Minnesota.

Notes:

Ironwood seeds are eaten by wild turkey and ruffed grouse.