Carpus caroliniana

American Hornbeam

Description:

• Small shrubby tree with one or more short trunks with spreading branches
• Leaves elliptical long pointed and doubly saw-toothed
• Leaves similar to those of a beech
• Leaves dark blue-green above
• Fruit has leaf-like 3-pointed, toothed, greenish scales in clusters

Habitat:

• Moist rich soils
• Along streams
• Understory of hardwood forests

Distribution:

• Planted near driveway
• Only one found on property