5 Seeds American Hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana Native Hardwood Tree

American Hornbeam is a native North American hardwood tree valued for its dense, fine-grained wood, smooth muscular gray bark, and handsome dark green summer foliage that turns shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn. It grows as an understory tree in its native range and works well in home landscapes, native plant gardens, and naturalized areas where a smaller, multi-season tree is desired.

Its compact, rounded canopy and tolerance of shade make American Hornbeam a useful choice for woodlands, rain gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings; the seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals, and the tree is often used in hedgerows and bonsai culture. Growth is slow to moderate, with a shape that becomes more graceful and sculptural with age.
Species: Carpinus caroliniana
Type: Deciduous hardwood tree
Plant_Habit: Understory tree with a rounded, spreading canopy
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; tolerates clay and occasional wet conditions
Zones: 3 to 9
Germination: Requires cold stratification; sow seeds in moist medium and refrigerate for 60 to 90 days, then keep at cool room temperature for germination
Sowing: Surface sow and lightly cover with medium; keep consistently moist
Spacing: 20 to 30 feet apart for trees; closer for hedgerows or naturalized plantings
Notes: Slow to moderate grower; tolerates black walnut and shade