Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) Unity Grown

Carpinus caroliniana, commonly referred to as American hornbeam, is a small to medium understory tree that grows naturally along  rivers and in a variety of forests environments throughout the eastern half of the United States. Typically growing to a mature size of 20-35' tall and wide, American hornbeam typically forms a rounded or sprawling habit with single or multiple stems, creating a beautiful canopy of strong, fluted branches and lending grace to a versatile range of home landscape locations. While it typically prefers partial to full shade, Carpinus caroliniana can be adaptable to drier, sunnier sites and works beautiful as a full sun specimen tree. 

As an ornamental tree selection, American hornbeam is show-stopping thanks to its fall foliage, which runs the full length of the rainbow from oranges and yellows to reds and purples. Not just a looker, however, Carpinus caroliniana is also an ecologically valuable selection, and attracts a host of pollinators, including swallowtail butterflies, as well as birds and small mammals to whom the tree provides cover, shelter, and a steady source of seed through the fall and winter months. As a member of the ironwood group of trees, Carpinus caroliniana is noted for its dense, heavy wood that is so dense it actually sinks in water; dense, strong wood implies slow growth, but also means that trees are fairly tidy when planted in yards or on large properties, as branches are less likely to snap and litter the ground.