American Hornbeam — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Carpinus caroliniana |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 60–90 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 4.4–12.8 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 365–1095 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 304.8–609.6 |
| Mature height (cm) | 365.8–609.6 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 304.8–609.6 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in moist, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained to moderately moist soil in partial to full shade; American hornbeam (also called musclewood or blue beech) is one of the finest small native understory trees, growing naturally in the deep shade of bottomland forests and stream banks across eastern North America. The distinctive smooth, gray, sinewy bark with ridge-like muscle-like sinews makes it an outstanding specimen year-round. Delicate hop-like seed clusters in fall provide food for many finch and songbird species. Outstanding golden-orange to orange-red fall color. It grows slowly — 10–12 inches per year — but is very long lived. One of the few small trees genuinely suited to planting in deep shade under large oaks or maples. Excellent for naturalistic woodland gardens and native plant landscapes.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · american-hornbeam
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0