American Hornbeam

Common Names

• Blue Beech
• Ironwood
• Musclewood
• Muscle Beech

Scientific Names

• Carpinus caroliniana
• Betulaceae (Birch) family

History of
the Tree Species

• Native to North America
• The name derives from the tree's extremely hard wood that takes a “horn-like” polish. The “beam” in hornbeam refers to the beam of wood that separated the ox bows
• The Common Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a close cousin from Europse and Asia that grows significantly larger (about twice the size)
• The “Upright European Hornbeam” is another variety that's more upright and narrow and has become common as a landscape tree in eastern Nebraska

Scientific Facts

• Small nuts are edible raw or roasted but rarely eaten by humans
• The dense wood is often used to fashion tough handles for striking implements like hammers as well as support poles, bowls, and dishes
• Bark has some medicinal uses, and the leaves have been used as an astringent