American Hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana (limited availability)

Medium-sized | Deciduous | Height: 20-35 ft.| Spread: 20-35 ft.

The American Hornbeam is native to the eastern half of the United States. A member of the birch family, it prefers moist soil and shade, growing well along riverbanks and streams. The bark of the tree is smooth with “fluting” that resembles muscle. The alternating leaves turn a beautiful orange and red in the fall. The American hornbeam blooms in mid to late spring with yellow-green, dangling, fuzzy catkins that appear just before or as the leaves emerge.

The American Hornbeam is a host plant for the caterpillars of several species of butterflies, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and the Red-spotted Purple. Additionally, it is a source of food for Wild Turkeys, Ruffed Grouse and Chickadees. It offers protection and shelter for a number of wildlife. 

For more information on how to identify these species and other species attributes, please visit https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carpinus-caroliniana/.