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Seeds - American Hornbeam
Seeds - American Hornbeam
Seeds - American Hornbeam
On sale

Seeds - American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

$4.25
( / )
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Origine : Non spécifiée


Catégories: indigène, vivace,

Aire de répartition indigène: ON, QC,

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For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), also known as blue-beech or musclewood, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It typically reaches a height of 6 to 12 metres and features a short, often crooked trunk covered in smooth, bluish-grey bark that resembles the appearance of taut muscles, hence its nickname “musclewood.” The leaves, alternate and simple, measuring between 5 and 12 cm in length, are oval with doubly serrated edges, dark green on the upper surface, and lighter underneath, turning yellow to reddish-orange in the fall. In the spring, the tree produces drooping male catkins and shorter female catkins, which develop into small, ribbed nuts surrounded by trilobed bracts, maturing in the fall. American hornbeam prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soils and is often found in mixed forest understories, along streams, and in shaded areas in Quebec.

Ecological Roles
American hornbeam plays an important role in Quebec’s forest ecosystems. Its seeds provide food for various bird species and small mammals. Additionally, the tree offers habitat for numerous insects, thereby supporting local biodiversity. Its ability to grow in moist, shaded soils helps stabilize streambanks and prevent erosion.


Armerican hornbeam parsnip seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Seeds - American Hornbeam

American hornbeam is a slow-growing tree that prefers partial shade or shaded locations. It tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in soils that are rich in organic matter, moist, and well-drained. Propagation is typically done by seeds, which require cold stratification to improve germination. The tree is resistant to diseases and pests, making it a sustainable choice for urban or natural plantings. Its modest size and attractive foliage also make it a good candidate for residential gardens.

For germination, American hornbeam seeds require scarification, warm stratification, and cold stratification before sowing.

Scarification: Soak the seeds in room-temperature water for 24 hours.

Stratification (warm and cold): Mix them with slightly moistened vermiculite in a sealed Ziploc-type bag. Keep them at room temperature for about 60 days, then place them in the refrigerator for another 60 days.

Sowing: Remove the contents from the bag and broadcast sow. Lightly cover the seeds, burying them no more than five millimetres below the soil surface.

Seeds per packet: 25

Family: Betulaceae

Scientific name: Carpinus caroliniana

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 4

Soil type: Sandy to clayey

Soil moisture level: Humid

Soil - additional attributes: Deep, rich and well-drained. Tolerates very clayey soils.

Light: Sun, partial shade

Blooming: May to June

Spacing: 300 cm

Height: 600 to 1200 cm

Deer resistance: High

Stratification: 2x 60 days

Scarification: Soaking for 24 hours

Germination time: 60 days

Sowing depth: 4 mm