Ostrya virginiana
We found this interesting formation on one of the ironwood trees in the forest. It is as if the branch is growing out of a cuff and sleeve. I don't know how the damage to the tree occurred. Perhaps this new branch grew out of the scar of a broken off branch. It was an odd thing to see. At first I thought the formation was some type of hive on the tree.
Ironwood trees are also called American Hophornbeam, hardhack and leverwood. The wood is as strong as iron and was used for levers and ax handles.
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