American hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
MBG Plant of Merit 2002
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size20 to 35 feet tall20 to 35 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White (female), green (male)
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a tree for specimen planting, hedges, woodland gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. It grows slowly and works best as an understory tree in low, shady places. It will tolerate periodic flooding. Birds and mammals eat the fruit.
Pairs well with Witch hazel, Cinnamon fern, and Wild ginger.
Native range
Eastern North America.