American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Family: Betulaceae
What it is like
A very small deciduous tree. It grows up to 8 m tall. The trunk can be 25 cm across. The trunk is usually short and crooked. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are arranged in 2 rows. They are 5-10 cm long. Leaves become larger along the shoot. They are bluish-green above and yellowish-green underneath. They turn red in autumn. The veins are straight and parallel. Each vein ends with a sharp tooth. The male and female flowers occur in separate clusters on the same tree. The fruit are a small and oval ribbed nut. It is 6-9 mm long. The fruit hang in clusters 10-15 cm long.
There are about 35-40 Carpinus species.
Where it is found
It is native to Mexico and North America. Temperate. It grows on deep, rich, moist soils. They are often in valley bottoms and along streams. They are very shade tolerant. It is found in moist forests and along streams between 1,300 to 1,800 m altitude in Central America. It suits hardiness zone 5-9. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Canada, Central America, Europe, Honduras, Mexico, North America, Tasmania, USA (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The small nut can be parched and eaten.
Edible parts
Nuts, seeds
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. They can also be grown by suckers or by layering.
Its other names
Local names
Blue Beech, Ironwood, Musclewood