Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) Unity Grown

Carpinus caroliniana, commonly referred to as American hornbeam, is a small to medium tree that grows naturally along streambanks and rivers, as well as in a variety of forests environments, typically as an understory plant. While it typically prefers partial to full shade, it can be adaptable to drier, sunnier sites.

American hornbeam is a beautiful ornamental tree 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, American hornbeam 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 and shelter.

This selection of Carpinus caroliniana was grown from the ground up, here at Unity Church Hill Nursery.