American hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

Description:

An attractive small deciduous tree, native to the eastern US, that works well under power lines and along the street. This tree produces an attractive dark green, wide-spreading canopy that turns orange and red in the fall. The smooth gray trunk has distinctive muscle like fluting evoking its other common name, musclewood.

Power Line Approved: Yes

Min. street tree planting width: 5 feet

Mature Height: 25 feet

Mature Spread: 20 feet

Tree Shape: Rounded

Where to Plant:
Works well in smaller planting strips and under wires. Could be used at a wooded edge.

Leaves:
Dark green leaves during the growing season and nice orange and red fall color.

Flowers:
2 inch long catkins.

Fruit:
Clusters of winged nutlets.

Preferred Site Conditions:
Part Sun to light shade. Prefers moist, but well drained soil.

Potential Problems:
Very few disease or pest concerns in our region.

Minimum Planting Distances:

  • 15 feet from house or building
  • 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
  • 5 feet from underground utility lines
  • 10 feet from power poles
  • 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
  • 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
  • 30 feet from street intersections

Additional Resources