American Hornbeam, Blue Beech, Ironwood, American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

Physical Characteristics

Carpinus caroliniana is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Ontario, south to Florida and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[105]. An emergency food, used when all else fails[177].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent American hornbeam was employed medicinally by some native North American Indian tribes, though it is not used in modern herbalism[257]. The inner bark is astringent[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and difficult urination with discharge[257].

Known Hazards

None known