Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

musclewood, hornbeam, blue-beech

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Carpinus caroliniana

Family:

Betulaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

to 30 ft tall by 15-25 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

yellow

Fruit Color:

green,brown

Phenology:

deciduous. Inconspicuous blooms in spring. Fruits ripen in summer.

Noted For:

Fall Color, Interesting Foliage, Interesting Bark

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Retain if in the landscape. Can be used as a specimen plant in areas not subject to root disturbance.

Considerations:

Said to be difficult to transplant as it does not tolerate root disturbance. Grows slowly.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Part Sun, Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Stays wet ---to--- Somewhat moist, no flooding

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Clay, Loam

Soil pH:

acidic to neutral

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Caterpillars

Larval plant for tiger swallowtail ( Papilio glaucus ), striped hairstreak ( Satyrium liparops ), and red-spotted purple or white admiral ( Limenitis arthemis ) butterflies.

Birds and other wildlife eat the seeds but it is not a favorite.

Native Habitats:

river floodplains

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Very hard wood.

General Comments: