Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana)

Musclewood, also known as American hornbeam, blue-beech or ironwood, is a native shade loving tree common along borders of streams and swamps in deep moist soil. The leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera, for example the Io moth (Automeris io) and some swallowtails.

Shade Tolerance: part to full shade

Moisture: Wet to Moist

Soils: Sandy or Clay Loams

Mature Height: 30 ft

Deer resistant: No

Uses: Butterflies, Pollinators, wildlife, Birds

USDA Plant Fact Sheet

NC State Plant facts