American Hornbeam

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)

Mature Height

20 - 35 Feet

Mature Spread

20 - 35 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.