Description
Blue Beech is also known as American hornbeam, or musclewood. This tree does well, even in areas inundated with water for several days to a week or two once it is established. Although blue beech trees are moderately drought-tolerant, they are probably best to provide even established trees with some irrigation during dry spells in the south.
They grow in sun or shade (as an understory tree in the woods) and tolerate most soils, including wet soil. It however does not like alkaline soil. Blue beech will grow in an attractive open habit in total shade but is very dense when grown in full sun. It transplants well with regular irrigation. Because of its dense wood, it survives ice storms well. It gets the name musclewood from the shape of the mature trunk which looks much like the muscles in a human arm.
Some times confused with Hophornbeam or Ironwood but once one sees these as mature trees the confusion will end.
Blue beech
Scientific Name: Carpinus caroliniana
Zone: 3-9 Find Your Growing Zone
Mature Height: 20-30 ft
Mature Width: 20-35 ft
Fruit: Produces a small fruit that breaks apart to release seeds in the fall
Flowers: Catkins
Bloom Time: May
Growth Rate: Medium (12” – 24” per year), but with plenty of water and fertilizer can grow very quickly
Soil: Does best with acidic, moist, silty loams – but can grow in almost any soil
Drought Tolerance: Poor
Flood Tolerance: Good – periodic flooding is fine
Sun Requirements: Sun or part-shade
Fall Color: Orange/red to yellow
Wildlife Value: Great food resource for mammals and many types of birds. Also provides great cover.
