Hornbeam, American (Musclewood), Bare Root

American Hornbeam (Musclewood) (Carpinus caroliniana)

A small understory tree recognized by smooth, muscle-like bark. It fits a moist woodland margin where a lower tree layer is more appropriate than a towering canopy.

Key Characteristics

Host leaves beneath the canopy

Eastern tiger swallowtail and red-spotted purple larvae use hornbeam foliage. A mixed woodland planting can support this lower host layer beneath taller trees.

Seeds and buds for wildlife

Grouse, quail, wild turkeys, and songbirds use seeds or buds. Keep some natural vegetation around the tree to connect feeding and shelter.

Musclewood is not hophornbeam

This listing is Carpinus caroliniana, with smooth, fluted bark. American hophornbeam is Ostrya virginiana, a different tree with a different bark texture.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern North America
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade; Full Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium; Medium-Wet
• Mature height: 20–30 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: March–April
• Bloom color: Green, Yellow
• USDA hardiness zones: 3–9
• Fruit or seed: Small nutlets in leafy clusters; wildlife food.
• Pollination: Wind-pollinated; no named variety partner is required for landscape use.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting and spread roots without bending them into a tight hole. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base feeding on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when needed.

Avoid drought stress and soil compaction. Prune damaged growth sparingly and protect young bark from browsing. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. These are seedlings rather than selected clones, so growth, flowering, and fruiting vary.