American Hornbeam

Stand out from the crowd with a phenomenal small native tree. The local wildlife, from caterpillars to bobwhite quail, will thank you.

A perfect gift for the aspiring woodworker and nature lover in your family, American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a healthy, satisfying tree that fits perfectly into modern lots.

The sinuous trunk swells with life, and lives up to its nickname...Musclewood.

This is a thoughtful native tree to contemplate in every season. Allow it to grace your landscape, and you'll grow to appreciate its lyrical form.

Bold, purple-red foliage bursts forth in spring; snapping open their textured leaves like a Southern Belle's hand fan. The handsome leaves grow to display prominent veining along a strong midrib with noticeable double-toothed margins; maturing to green.

You'll add an excellent butterfly resource tree with this choice, as the leaves are a larval host for many species. Scientists estimate there are well over 65 types of butterflies who rely on these sinewy trees.

Like its Birch cousins, male and female catkins hang in early spring. Once the tree reaches maturity if it receives enough sunlight, it can start a periodic mast cycle every few years.

Nutlets are held in lobed bracts to provide a feast for many animals, along with the annual buds. These mid-size trees augment an Oak and Beech food forest beautifully.

This is a beautiful fall color tree, as well. The showy display spans the gamut from fiery yellow-orange to bright red once the nights start getting cooler.

Even the smooth gray, bulging bark of these shade-tolerant trees become a habitat for beautiful silvery-green lichen. Hornbeam looks ethereal in wintertime with a light cover of snow or frost.

The wood can handle extreme applications, ranking at 1780 pounds-force on the Janka hardness scale. It's also beautifully tight-grained and pale white, with finished products compared to ivory.

When mature, the shape can range from rounded to a broader, elliptical form. Its biggest benefit is its surprising shade tolerance — it will thrive, even under the canopy of other trees — but will be happiest in partial shade.

This is a spectacular choice for conscientious people across the country. Enjoy one of our most incredible small native trees, order American Hornbeam today!

How to Use American Hornbeam in the Landscape

These trees are especially welcome in a yard shaded by taller trees. Use one anywhere in a small yard to develop into a virile specimen without regard to sunlight conditions.

Add several for a grand-looking grove. Space them from 10 to 25 feet apart from trunk to trunk; varying the width for a more natural look.

This is a perfect choice to include in windbreaks, as it has supreme resistance to splitting. You'll relish American Hornbeam's fall color.

You'll also attract a variety of birds, including wild turkey, pheasant, and ruffled grouse. On a large property, pair with Red Oak, Chickasaw Plum and Hazelnut bushes as a plentiful resource for many animals.

Add Hornbeam to the edge of Rain Gardens. It loves a spot at the edge of a pond or creek, as well.

#ProPlantTips for Care

American Hornbeam likes wet feet, and is partial to a slightly acid-to-neutral soil pH. However, this versatile tree is adaptable to many soil types.

Plant without regard to sun exposure, unless you want to produce mast for wildlife. Then, it will need an opening in the canopy after a decade or so.

Water a medium amount on a regular basis. This is especially important in the first season, and in times of extended drought.

Apply a three-inch layer of mulch over the root system and spread it to three feet outside the canopy. This helps keep the roots cool and moist.

Prune in late winter to correct form or raise the height of the canopy. Sharpen your chain, and it's best to have a spare on hand.

Site your tree carefully, as it will not tolerate being moved. We ship American Hornbeam at the right size for transplant.

You'll be so pleased by the high quality of our plant material. Gift yourself or a loved one the admirable American Hornbeam. It's an exceptional choice.