Carpinus caroliniana
American hornbeam
A small, deciduous tree to around 10m tall with branches that droop at the tips and fluted, grey bark. The bright green leaves are ovate, serrated and prominently veined and turn shades of orange, yellow and red in autumn. Green catkins borne in spring are followed by fruiting clusters around 7cm long in autumn
Synonyms
Carpinus americana
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Red Yellow | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Carpinus are deciduous shrubs and trees with attractive foliage and hop-like fruit clusters in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.