Skip to main content
Cornell University

Species: Carpinus caroliniana

(kar-pine'us ka-ro-lin-ee-ay'nah)

Carpinus caroliniana

American Hornbeam; Blue Beech; Ironwood; Musclewood

Found on Course Walks

High pH

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

Recommended Urban Trees Collection

Ornamental Characteristics

Tree < 30 feet

30'

Deciduous

round, spreading

prefers shaded, moist soils

Environmental Characteristics

Part shade

3b

Can tolerate acid to neutral soil (pH 5.0 to 7.4)

Occasionally saturated or very wet soil; Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

relatively trouble free, little maintenance, ice storms can be a problem

Bare Root Transplanting

Difficult

Other

transplant in spring; somewhat slower to establish, Native to Eastern N. America

Native Range Map

Native Range Map Image

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic
Occasionally saturated or very wet soil
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Occasional periods of dry soil
Prolonged periods of dry soil
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12