American hornbeam

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

20-30 ft. tall
20-35 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Fresh seed can be planted directly in the ground in the fall. Stored seed should be cold moist stratified for 60-90 days.

Plants/Diseases

Occasionally experiences leaf spots, cankers, and twig blight.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

The simple, oblong leaves are alternate and have double serrate margins.

Flowers

Separate male (catkins) and female flowers on the same tree.

Fruit

Nutlet with three lobed green scales that aid in wind dispersal.

Bark

Dark grey, smooth, and sinewy.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Ethnobotanical Use

The dense tough wood has been carved into a variety of parts such as tool handles as well as dishware.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forested areas along streambanks, bottomland forests, and maritime forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Carpinus caroliniana var. caroliniana common in the coastal plain, uncommon in the piedmont, and rare in the mountains.

Carpinus caroliniana var. virginiana common in the piedmont and mountains. Absent from the coastal plain.

Subspecies

Carpinus caroliniana var. caroliniana

Carpinus caroliniana var. virginiana