Quick answer: American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is native to 33 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Photo by and (c)2005 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man), Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist, tolerates periodic flooding |
| Soil | Moist, rich, deep soils - sandy, loamy, clay, acidic |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 40 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Nuts feed mammals and birds, larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Striped Hairstreak, and Red-spotted Purple |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about American hornbeam
Where is American hornbeam native?
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is native to 33 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does American hornbeam bloom?
American hornbeam blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does American hornbeam need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist, tolerates periodic flooding. Soil: Moist, rich, deep soils - sandy, loamy, clay, acidic. Mature height: Up to 40 ft tall.
Is American hornbeam good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nuts feed mammals and birds, larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Striped Hairstreak, and Red-spotted Purple.
Is American hornbeam deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
American hornbeam is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real American hornbeam seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Carpinus caroliniana on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with American hornbeam.
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- White oak Quercus alba
- Pagoda dogwood Cornus alternifolia
- Flowering dogwood Cornus florida
Also listed under
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