American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Family: Betulaceae
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Mature Height: ~9 m (~30 ft)
Fall Color: yellow to orange-red
Native Range: Eastern United States
Features
The leaves of American hornbeams are serrated, ovals measuring two to four inches. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, orange and red. The bark of American hornbeams is smooth and gray colored. Blossoming in the spring, the flowers begin looking like leaf buds, and change to green then bright red at their apex.
Fun Facts
● The hard wood has a horn-like polish that was made into bowls and tool handles by early Americans. American hornbeam wood is not used as commonly now due to the size of the tree.
● American hornbeam is commonly referred to as musclewood due to the distinct muscle-like fluting on the trunk of mature trees.
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