A medium sized tree that has some unique features and is versatile as it can handle many different light levels and soil. Known for its fruits that look like hops, seen on the tree in summer to winter. Fruits are produced from the spring blooming light green female catkins that are not really showy. Male catkins are produced on the same tree and tend to be more showy. They will often time persist throughout winter. Fruits are eaten by many different birds and mammals, it is also thought to be a larval host plant for the red spotted purple and the eastern tiger swallowtail. Leaves are dark green and have a similar appearance to to birch leaves. Fall color is a yellow that isn't anything of note. Leaves tend to drop earlier than most other trees. Winter interest comes from the catkins, fruits, and the shaggy bark on older trees. Young trees have smooth bark with lenticels that will eventually peel away. An overall slow growing tree only getting 10 - 15 feet tall in 15 years. Not very particular about amount of light it receives, so you can grow in it in full sun or mostly shade. Grow in most soils as long as they are well drained. This tree has a large native range making it adaptable to many areas. Makes a great shade tree for smaller yards or front yard plantings. They are sensitive to salt.