Carpinus caroliniana

Ironwood (American Hornbeam)

This member of the birch family is a native tree known for its fine branching texture and thin gray bark that covers a sinewy or muscled trunk. Often grown as a multi-trunk tree where the sinewy bark is at its best. The leaves have a doubly toothed margin and turn an attractive orange-red color in the fall.

Ironwood can be found naturally in areas with moist soil including streambanks, riverbanks, and maritime forests. Very useful where a smaller growing tree is needed or when used in an understory layer. It is most often used in naturalized settings and blends well with woodland backgrounds though it is useful in urban settings when smaller trees are desired.

This is a wildlife-friendly tree perfect for a pollinator, children's, or native garden acting as a larval host plant, food source for mammals and birds, and a cover plant. 

  • Native, deciduous tree
  • Medium-sized, fine textured
  • Attractive gray bark

  • Category: Tree, Native
  • Hardiness Zone: 3-9
  • Height: 20-30 ft
  • Spread: 20-30 ft
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Landscape Characteristics
Bark Color
Foliage Color
Specialty Use
Wildlife Garden
Classification by Use
Native
Shade Tree
Habit
Upright
Light Requirement
Part Sun
Sun
Foliage
Deciduous
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Moisture
Average Water
Well-Drained
Wet Soil/Wetlands
Foliage Color
Green
Orange
Red
Yellow
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Carpinus caroliniana

Plant in sandy or clay loams with high organic matter, regular moisture, and slightly acidic soils. Does well in heavy shade. It is tolerant of drier sites, some sun, wind, and periodic flooding making it a candidate for a rain garden. Can be difficult to transplant so best moved in spring.