The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: American hornbeam

Family: Betulaceae (birch family)

Synonym: Carpinus americana

Distribution: e. North America

Habitat: In understory stratum in rich deciduous forest along stream banks, on flood plains, and on moist hillsides; 0--300 m

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A small to medium size deciduous tree growing slowly to 20-25' tall and up to 30' wide at maturity. Conical when young developing spreading, flat-topped, irregular habit with age. Dark green leaves are up to 5" long and 2" wide with prominent venation. Bark is dark gray and smooth. The wood is heavy and hard giving it another common name of ironwood. Fruit is a hard nutlet enclosed by a leafy bract. Varying fall color of orange, yellow to red-purple. A small shade tree with interesting horizontal branching. Occurs natively as a small understory tree.