A small tree or large shrub, to 25' high, tolerant
of shade. Found in moist, rocky locations throughout the Commonwealth, occasionally
ascending slopes to rather dry sites. A medicinal extract is distilled from the
bark.
Alternate, simple, oval, 4"-6" long, rounded
to acute at the tips, oblique at the base; margins dentate; dark green above,
paler beneath midrib and primary veins prominent.
Twigs
Zigzag, light-brown with small light green pith, rather
slender, often downy or scaly especially near the end, but sometimes smooth and
shiny, with a few scattered, white lenticels.
Fruit
A yellowish-brown woody pod holding two shiny black
seeds, ripens in October-November of the year following fertilization, at the
same time as the current year's blossoms appear. Flowers with bright yellow strap-shaped
petals. Ripe pods burst open throwing the seed five feet or more.
Bark
Light brown somewhat mottled, when young smooth, later
scaly. Inner bark reddish purple.
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