Carpinus caroliniana
Table of Contents
Common Names: American Hornbeam, Musclewood, Ironwood, Blue Beech
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Tracheophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Order: Fagales |
| Family: Betulaceae |
| Genus: Carpinus |
| Species: Carpinus caroliniana |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
American hornbeam is a small tree, growing up to 30 feet tall. It’s bark is a blueish gray, smooth, rippled, and muscular-looking.
The leaves are alternate and simple. They’re 1 to 5 inches long, tear-shaped, double-toothed, and have non-forked parallel veins.
In the fall, the leaves turn orange-scarlet.
Habitat & Range
American hornbeams are found throughout the eastern half of the United States, growing along streams.
Life Cycle
The fruits of American hornbeam are 3" wide and are 3-pointed leafy clusters with tiny nuts.
Featured image by James Dake.
Related
Ostrya virginiana
Eastern Hop Hornbeam""
Betula lenta
Black Birch
Betula papyrifera
Paper Birch