American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About American Hornbeam
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a small, multi-stemmed native deciduous tree with distinctive smooth, sinewy gray bark resembling muscle tissue. Also called Musclewood, it produces hoplike fruit clusters and offers rich red-orange fall color, often found along stream banks and woodland edges in eastern North America. Starting at $250.00.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
American Hornbeam is highly adaptable to light conditions, thriving in full shade to full sun. In NE Florida landscapes it performs best in part shade to part sun, where it maintains a naturally open, graceful habit; in full sun it becomes denser but requires consistent moisture.
This native of moist stream banks and woodland edges prefers consistently moist to wet soils. In NE Florida's sandy soils, water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells; established trees tolerate brief flooding but benefit from supplemental irrigation in summer.
Plant in moist, acidic soil (pH 4.5–7.4) including sandy, loam, or clay types. Amend sandy NE Florida soil with organic matter to retain moisture. Light application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring supports growth; avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers.
Similar needs
Southern Wood Fern
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Strawberry Bush
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
American Snowbell
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Dahoon Holly
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Hazel Alder
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Loblolly Bay
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is American Hornbeam a good plant for St. Augustine?
American Hornbeam is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 20-35 feet × 15-25 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.