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American hornbeam

How to identify American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

American hornbeam, also known as Ironwood

American hornbeam is a deciduous tree recognizable by its alternate, simple leaves that are weakly doubly serrate with parallel veins. The foliage turns to vivid colors during fall. In maturity, the bark develops a distinctive muscle-like pattern, textured and slate gray in color. The tree produces distinctive fruits composed of small nutlets attached to a three-lobed, leaf-like bract, with the lobes situated at the base. The tree’s structure can be discerned through the unusual inverted ‘V’ shape of its branching.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify American hornbeam

1

Foliage turns vivid colors in fall, distinctive muscle-like bark pattern.

2

Inverted 'V' shape branching, female flowers with 3-lobed bracts.

3

Small nutlet fruits with three-lobed, leaf-like green bracts.

4

Ovate-oblong dull bluish-green leaves, doubly serrate with sharp teeth.

5

Smooth texture, sinewy muscle-like stem with irregularly fluted mature branches.

American hornbeamAmerican hornbeamAmerican hornbeamAmerican hornbeamAmerican hornbeam

Detailed Traits of American hornbeam

Leaf Features

The leaves of american hornbeam are alternate, simple, ovate-oblong, and range from 2.5-5 inches (6.4-12.7 cm) long and 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide. They are characterized by a dull bluish-green surface, a paler underside, and prominent, sharp, doubly serrate teeth along the edges. The texture is glabrous, showcasing a smooth feel. These leaves have a distinctive veination pattern, aiding in their identification, and are notable for their sharp, toothed margins.

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,
Caudiform

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Flower Features

Flowers of american hornbeam are monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers are present on the same tree. The male catkins are pendulous, measuring 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6.4 cm) long, while the female catkins are about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) long. The female flowers are accompanied by 3-lobed bracts, with the bracts being 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) long, widest at the middle lobe. These flowers typically bloom in spring, showcasing their delicate and distinctive structure.

American hornbeam Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of american hornbeam showcases a smooth texture with a distinctive slate gray coloration. As the branches mature, they develop an irregularly fluted pattern, giving them a sculpted, sinewy appearance reminiscent of a flexed bicep muscle. This unique feature refers to its common name, muscle wood. The stem ranges from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter, with older branches displaying prominent, sinuous ridges. Its branching pattern is typically dense, with a visually striking, contorted structure.

American hornbeam Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of american hornbeam is a small nutlet measuring approximately 1/3 inch (about 8 mm) in length. This nutlet is anchored to a distinct, leaf-like bract, known as a scale, which has three lobes and exhibits a green hue. The scale's unique structure not only aids in identification but also facilitates wind dispersal, allowing the fruit to be carried away from the parent plant. The overall appearance of the fruit, with its size, color, and characteristic lobed scale, makes it recognizable.

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American hornbeam and Their Similar Plants

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Key Facts About American hornbeam

Attributes of American hornbeam
Lifespan
Perennial
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Orange
Red
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Green
Yellow
Red
Brown
Gold
Fruit Color
Brown
Yellow
Gold
Stem Color
Green
Silver
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of American hornbeam

Family
Birch
Icon allow
Species
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
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Distribution Map of American hornbeam

American hornbeam's native region is from Eastern Canada to Southeast USA. It has remained here, not being introduced in any other areas of the world. Its original ecosystem is the forest understorey and alongside swamps and streams.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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