American hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
American hornbeam, also known as blue-beech, ironwood, or musclewood, is a small, native tree that seldom exceeds 30 feet in height. Its fruit is a small, egg-shaped nut. Its main distinguishing characteristic is its smooth, blue-gray bark (similar to a beech) that often appears twisted or contoured like muscles. Though not seen often in landscape settings, this flood-tolerant tree is common in Delaware’s forests.
Hornbeam has flowers that appear along with the leaves around April. It produces a small egg-shaped nut eaten by forest rodents and birds. Hornbeams can be attractive ornamentals with beautiful fall color.
American hornbeam – Carpinus caroliniana | ||||
Location | Points | C.B.H. | Height | Crown |
Hagley Museum, Wilmington, DE | 90 | 41 | 39 | 40 |
7320 Burnite Mill Rd., Felton, DE | 86 | 41 | 37 | 34 |