American hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Description:
An attractive small deciduous tree, native to the eastern US, that works well under power lines and along the street. This tree produces an attractive dark green, wide-spreading canopy that turns orange and red in the fall. The smooth gray trunk has distinctive muscle like fluting evoking its other common name, musclewood.
Power Line Approved: Yes
Min. street tree planting width: 5 feet
Mature Height: 25 feet
Mature Spread: 20 feet
Tree Shape: Rounded
Where to Plant:
Works well in smaller planting strips and under wires. Could be used at a wooded edge.
Leaves:
Dark green leaves during the growing season and nice orange and red fall color.
Flowers:
2 inch long catkins.
Fruit:
Clusters of winged nutlets.
Preferred Site Conditions:
Part Sun to light shade. Prefers moist, but well drained soil.
Potential Problems:
Very few disease or pest concerns in our region.
Minimum Planting Distances:
- 15 feet from house or building
- 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
- 5 feet from underground utility lines
- 10 feet from power poles
- 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
- 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
- 30 feet from street intersections