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- Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
- Mature Height 20 - 35 Feet
- Mature Spread 20 - 35 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 9
Great for all seasons, American Hornbeam, or Carpinus Caroliniana, is an attractive tree that does well in difficult-to-landscape, shady areas. Naturally, it is an understory tree that is loved by wildlife of all kinds. The American Hornbeam grows 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. Leaves emerge reddish-purple transforming into a deep green with serrated veins during the summer. As the season progresses, the leaves turn shades of crimson and bright gold. In spring, flowers appear as separate male and female catkins, followed by clusters of winged nutlets that are loved by nesting songbirds. When winter comes, it exposes the trees' unique blue-gray bark and fluted branches.
American Hornbeam is a native of the northeastern United States. It is a deciduous hardwood tree, and, as an understory tree, it can be found below the high canopy of other trees. It can grow with as little as four hours of sunlight per day, and would look charming as a standalone tree beside a creek, on the edge of a woodland, or en masse as a hedge. Even though it can tolerate shade, when it gets more sunlight, it becomes more dense with more vivid colors.
American Hornbeam Care
American Hornbeam is low-maintenance and can tolerate many types of soils and pH as long as they are well-drained. It is an average consumer of water and is disease resistant. The Hornbeam is home to many types of birds and butterflies. After planting, it is recommended to protect the plant with a 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Fertilization needs for the American Hornbeam are minimal.
The American Hornbeam does not need a lot of pruning if left as a standalone tree. It is easy-to-grow, and all you need to do is clear any diseased, dead, or crossing branches. If used in a hedge, prune the hedge to your desired size and shape. You should plan on pruning your American Hornbeam in the fall after the leaves have dried up.
American Hornbeam Spacing
The American Hornbeam likes to be in cool areas. Choose locations where the soil temperature does not get too high, or is shaded during peak temperatures. If you are planting the Hornbeam for a hedge, space your trees at least 3 feet apart.
American Hornbeam Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions) |
| Mature Height: 20 - 35 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 20 - 35 Feet |
| Spacing: 20 - 35 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Red, Orange And Yellow Fall Color |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Fall Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Disease, Pests & Insects |
| Tolerates: Heat |
| Attracts: Birds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: American Hornbeam |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: CARPINUS CAROLINIANA |
- SKU:
- 1231013897-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.