American Hornbeam
ExploreTrees
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
The American Hornbeam is a sturdy tree with a cool name! It has smooth bark and leaves that turn pretty colors in the fall.
Habitat: Wetlands and forests
Appearance
The American Hornbeam has striking, smooth, blue-gray bark that appears fluted or 'muscular'. Its ovate, sharply toothed leaves emerge reddish-purple, mature to deep green, and blaze bright yellow, orange, or red in autumn.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyBetulaceaeGenusCarpinus
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
18
Interesting facts
Even its scientific name, 'Carpinus', hints at its strength, meaning 'horn-like wood'.
In fall, its leaves put on a spectacular show, turning vibrant shades of orange and red!
Its wood is so hard, people once used it for tool handles, mallets, and even ox yokes!
It’s also known as 'Blue Beech' because its bark resembles a Beech tree but has a bluer tint!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Strong Trunk
American Hornbeam has incredibly dense, tough wood that helps it stand strong against harsh weather.
Ability
Understory Survivor
This tree can grow well in shady forest understories, competing effectively for sunlight and nutrients.
Ability
Wildlife Snack Bar
American Hornbeam produces small nutlets enclosed in leafy bracts that provide food for birds and squirrels.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 6-12 m
- Canopy Spread
- 5-8 m
- Edible
- No
- Trunk Diameter
- 15-40 cm
- Lifespan
- 50-150 years
- Fruit Type
- Nutlet
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
eats its small nutlets
eats
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
forages for its nutlets
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses its twigs and leaves
shelters
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Contopus virens
builds nests in its branches
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Blue BeechIronwood
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American Hornbeam?
6-12 m
How wide does American Hornbeam spread?
5-8 m
Is American Hornbeam edible?
No
How big is American Hornbeam?
15-40 cm
How long does American Hornbeam live?
50-150 years
Where is American Hornbeam usually found?
Wetlands and forests
What kind of fruit does American Hornbeam produce?
Nutlet
How fast does American Hornbeam grow?
Slow
Snap Map
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