New England Wild Flower Society

Printed at http://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/index.cfm/

Carpinus caroliniana

American hornbeam, musclewood

American hornbeam, or musclewood, is a surprising understory tree with smooth, silvery-grey bark and a sinewy trumk and stems reminiscent of a muscular figure. Most typically located in rich, moist woodlands, this tree is great for naturalizing in shady or woodland gardens, but can also make a great specimen plant when strategically pruned and located appropriately. In spring, male and female individuals produce their respective flowers in dangling catkins, with females producing clusters of winged nutlets later in the season. 

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Height: 20-30 ft
Spread: 20-35 ft
Hardiness Zone: 3-9


Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Part Shade
Shade
Soil Moisture
Wet
Average
Ecoregion
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Spring Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Host Plant
Tolerance
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Dioecious (fruits only on female plants)
Landscape Use
Specimen


North American Distribution


American hornbeam - Carpinus caroliniana from Native Plant Trust
by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust
American hornbeam - Carpinus caroliniana from Native Plant Trust
American hornbeam - Carpinus caroliniana from Native Plant Trust
by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust
American hornbeam - Carpinus caroliniana from Native Plant Trust
by John Lynch (c) Native Plant Trust