This deciduous large shrub to small tree has a short greyish trunk with spreading branches that form a compact rounded crown. It has blue-green toothed oblong leaves that turn orange-red in autumn and produces pendant yellowish flowers during spring.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Carpinus caroliniana is naturally found in eastern North America from a Nova Scotia to Minnesota and extending to Florida and Texas growing in woodlands commonly associated with streams and swamps on the coast and inland. 

It prefers an open sunny to heavily shaded position and grows in most well-drained fertile moist soils and is ph adaptable. It is drought tender but frost tolerant.

The American Hornbean is grown for its shrubby habit and autumn colour. It is planted in woodlands and parks or gardens as a specimen or along borders for screening. This species is fast growing establishing in 2 to 3 years and in some regions it is regarded as a weed. it can form a solitary or multiple trunks from the base and is commonly used as a bonsai subject. ID 1574

Carpinus (kar-PINE-us) caroliniana (kair-oh-lin-ee-AN-uh)

Betulaceae (BE-tul-AY-see-ee)
Birch