Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam)

Attractive in all seasons, Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) is a slow-growing, small to medium-sized deciduous tree of upright-spreading habit with a rounded crown. The branches are covered with ovate, serrated, and prominently veined leaves, 2-5 in. long (5-12 cm). Emerging reddish-purple in spring, the foliage turns dark green as the season progresses before turning shades of yellow to orange-red in the fall. The flowers appear in spring in separate male and female catkins. The female catkins are followed by distinctive clusters of winged nutlets. Hanging at the tip of the branches, they can be seen through late spring to early fall. In winter, the fluted blue-gray bark with long, sinewy ridges makes Carpinus caroliniana a lovely addition to the landscape. Native to eastern North America, American Hornbeam is a wonderful understory tree that is useful as a specimen or in groupings for shady landscapes. It is great for naturalizing along the edges of woodlands and streams or as a street or lawn tree.

American Hornbeam is a draw for various bird species, including the American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Its dense foliage and nutritious seeds provide essential food and shelter, making it a favored habitat for these avian visitors.

• Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall and wide (6-9 m).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of full shade, but this tree is denser, and the fall coloring is best in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including dry sites, wet sites, alkaline soil, and clay soil. Tolerates periodic flooding.
• Perfect for shady landscapes and naturalized or woodland gardens.
• Low maintenance, this plant does not need routine pruning. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for leaf spots, cankers, or twig blight.
• Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or by grafting.
• Native to Eastern Canada and the United States.