Deciduous trees – American Hornbeam

American Hornbeam 

Botanical name: carpinus caroliniana 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 20-30 ft in height and in spread 

Bloom time: spring and early summer 

Hardy zone: zones 3-9

Flower color: green, yellow, red, brown 

Foliage color: green, yellow, orange, red 

Growth rate: grows 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired size and shape in the winter and early spring 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: privacy, shade, focal point, naturalizing 

Light needs: 4 hours of sun per day 

Special features: produces fruit, adaptable to poor conditions, benefits wildlife 

Watering instructions:  once established can survive solely on rainfall 

Fertilizing instructions : use a tree and shrub slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: clay or loam 

Companion plants: serviceberry, eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, winterberry 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no