New England Wild Flower Society

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

Carpinus caroliniana

American hornbeam, musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana ssp. virginiana)

The trunk and branches of this tree, once mature, resemble the sleek muscles of marble statues. In the sun, this tree takes on a stately upright form, while in shade the branches wander out horizontally, seeking of gaps in the canopy. Northeastern subspecies is Carpinus caroliniana ssp. virginiana.



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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