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American hornbeam

Scientific Name: Carpinus caroliniana

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

The American hornbeam, scientifically known as Carpinus caroliniana, is a captivating small hardwood tree belonging to the genus Carpinus. Commonly known as blue-beech, ironwood, or musclewood, this tree offers year-round interest with its unique bark and vibrant fall foliage.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the tree producing papery winged fruits. It's important to monitor pets around any tree that produces fruits, as ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the tree producing papery winged fruits. It's important to teach children not to eat any part of wild growing plants or trees, as ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carpinus caroliniana
  • Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
  • Plant Symbol: CACA18 (USDA NRCS)
  • Common Names: American hornbeam, blue-beech, ironwood, musclewood, water-beech, lechillo (Spanish)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, ranging from Minnesota and southern Ontario east to Maine, and south to eastern Texas and Florida.
  • Frequently found along watercourses and the edges of swamps.
  • A native forest understory tree, making it useful for shady landscapes and naturalized or woodland gardens.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A slow-growing, deciduous, small to medium-sized understory tree.
  • Typically reaches a height and spread of 20 to 30 feet, but can grow larger. A specimen of 41 feet was recorded in Hamilton County in 1985.
  • Can be a multi- or single-stemmed tree, 35-50 ft tall, with a wide-spreading crown.
  • Bark is smooth and bluish-gray, with a sinewy texture that resembles muscles.
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, and double-toothed with equal leafbases.
  • Produces papery winged fruits in late spring.
  • Foliage turns shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "hornbeam" comes from the hardness of the wood, likened to horn, and the Old English word "beam" meaning tree.
  • Another common name, "muscle tree," comes from the sinewy texture of its gray, fluted bark.

Ecological Role

  • It is an understory tree.

Further Information

  • National Plant Data Center: http://npdc.usda.gov