A mature American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Understory · Naturalized · Riparian · Woodland · Butterfly · Childrens · Native · Pollinator

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana · Tree

American Hornbeam is a slow-growing tree, hardy in USDA zones 3-9, that matures to about 20–35 ft × 20–35 ft. It does best in part shade and full shade with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-wet soil. Expect yellow and green blooms in winter. It attracts butterflies, pollinators and small mammals, stands up well to black walnut and dry soil and fire.

USDA zones: 3-9
Sun: Part shade, Full shade
Water: Medium
Mature size: 20–35 ft × 20–35 ft
Growth rate: Slow
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-wet
Bloom color: Yellow, Green
Bloom season: Winter
Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Black walnut, Dry soil, Fire, Wind, Pollution, Wet soil
Native to: Eastern North America

Will it survive your winters?

We score American Hornbeam’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 3 · Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9