Quick Description
A beautiful and underused native woodland tree; very interesting gray bark is almost muscular in appearance, makes a strong winter statement; also excellent blend of fall colors and curious hop-like fruit; good small multipurpose shade tree
Other Names: Blue Beech, Ironwood, Musclewood, Water Beech
What Makes it Special?
The American Hornbeam has forest green deciduous foliage on a tree with a round habit of growth. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding orange in the fall. It produces small clusters of tan hop-like fruit from early fall to late winter. The smooth silvery blue bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
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Landscape Attributes
The American Hornbeam is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Planting & Growing
The American Hornbeam will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.
This tree performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.
Carpinus caroliniana
American Hornbeam
$368.00 – $702.00
$368.00 – $702.00
Click for Plant Facts – Height, Width, Sun, Water, & More!
Height : 30 feet
Spread: 25 feet
Sunlight: full sun to shade
Water Usage: dry to wet
Landscape Use: Accent, Shade, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
Flower Color: N/A
Bloom Period:N/A
Foliage Type: deciduous
Foliage Color: Green
Deer Resistant?: No
Spread: 25 feet
Sunlight: full sun to shade
Water Usage: dry to wet
Landscape Use: Accent, Shade, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
Flower Color: N/A
Bloom Period:N/A
Foliage Type: deciduous
Foliage Color: Green
Deer Resistant?: No
Want more info on sizes?
IndyPlants sells landscape size plant material. These often come in black nursery containers and are classified in sizes such as #2, #3, #5, etc. This correlates to the volume of the container, 2 gallon, 3, gallon, 5 gallon, etc. The bigger the number, the larger the pot, and the larger the plant. You’ll also see larger sizes such as 2” BB, 2.5” BB, 3” BB, etc. This stands for ‘Balled & Burlapped’. These plants are usually much larger and are not transported in black nursery pots. The sizing correlates to the diameter of the trunk of the tree.
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Your Plants, Our Promise
If there’s a problem with a plant you’ve ordered from us, we’ll make it right. Period. Drop us a line at support@indyplants.com with a brief description and photos, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Do you accept returns?
We do our best to handpick only the best quality plants from trusted, local nurseries. If for whatever reason your order doesn’t meet your expectations, you can return your plants for a full refund within 48 hours of delivery.
Do your plants have a warranty?
Nature can take a toll on even the best cared for plants. If your plant dies within one year from the date it was delivered, you’ll get an exact replacement to the best of our ability. If you’d prefer a substitution or a full refund, we’ve got you covered.