Carpinus caroliniana
American hornbeam is an understory tree that thrives in shaded, moist forests. It gets its name due to the durable yet flexible nature of its wood— the likeness of a horn. It is also given the title “ironwood” for these qualities and is excellent for tool handles, longbows, and striking implements. American hornbeam is also known for its characteristic elephant skin-like bark which resembles a flexing muscle giving lieu to its third common name: musclewood. A tree of many names!
Family: Betulaceae
Foliage: Deciduous
Mature height range: 35-50 ft.
Light exposure: Partial to Full Shade
Soil preference: Moist and rich, but is highly adaptable to drier, sandier soils
Tolerance: Tolerates flooding conditions well and is adaptable to sunnier, drier sites
Wildlife: fruit are eaten by mammals and birds, larval host plant for eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), striped hairstreak (Satyrium liparops), red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis)
