Tree Identification
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Carpinus caroliniana - American Hornbeam
Leaves and seed structure in September.
Leaves in May
Brilliant fall Leaf color
Twig and buds
Trunk of American Hornbeam - note the cordy or sinewy appearance illustrating why is is referred to as musclewood.
Trunk of American Hornbeam - note the cordy or sinewy appearance illustrating why is is referred to as musclewood.
a bottom view of the seed structure showing the nutlets suspended beneath the bracts.
The seed structure persisting into the winter
All Images By: Dave Hanson
  • Characteristics
Some information and photographs provided by Gail Soens - Dakota County TCA

Carpinus caroliniana is a Minnesota native that has several common names: American hornbeam, Hornbeam, musclewood and also refered to as blue beech. It is not a beech. This tree of small stature does well in mass plantings. It is an under-story tree that likes a shaded cool environment.

Small tree height: 15-25'
Canopy spreads: 15-20', flat-topped or rounded crown with layered spreading branches.
Drought Tolerance: Intolerant
Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
Soil pH Tolerance: Intermediate to high pH
Poor Soil Drainage: Intolerant to flooding
Salt Tolerance:

 Sensitive in tolerance to salt spray and Sensitive in tolerance to soil salts.
Quick ID: its habit is rounded and the trunk looks like it is corded with muscle. Smooth bluish bark is very attractive. The flowers are interesting; male flowers droop in catkins while female flowers called "aments" are tiny pinkish red racemes at the shoot tip. The fruit is displayed in three lobed leafy bract clusters Leaves are dark lustrous green and they turn a fiery red in the fall. Leaf buds are small close to the slender twig and a bit fuzzy. Bud scales are in rows. The leaves are simple, alternate, doubly serrate coming to a pointy tip.

Carpinus caroliniana is one of only two species listed in Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. It is not a true beech. Carpinus Betula is listed as a zone (4)-5. The other cultivars mentioned are usually only seen in arboreta, or botanic gardens. Carpinus caroliniana is the only species native to North America. It can be grown as either a single stem or multistem tree. This tree is a slow grower.

It is adaptable in its sunlight requirements. It likes a moist well-drained soil and is fairly PH tolerant, though it will not tolerate high PH. Salt tolerance is low as well as pollution. The leaves can scorch in a drought and canker can be a problem in addition to the two-lined chestnut borer.

Did you know
This tree is not common in the nursery trade. When it is transplanted it is recommended that the tree be ball-and-burlapped or moved as container stock.