It was planted near to a Katsura tree and for a long time I thought that the tree I am describing was the Katsura. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. That said the buds are to me the clearest differentiator. I still have it. Related to the Alders, Birches, Filberts, and Hophornbeams, the edible part are small nutlets. He’s incorrect about how big a hornbeam can get; if you hike the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, you will see hornbeam trees up to 48 inches in diameter….great, beautiful, monstrous trees that look like they’re built out of skin-wrapped bundles of rope. Carpinus caroliniana Walter – Betulaceae – birch family. University of Michigan [Internet]. Trees are monecious meaning that both “male” and “female” flowers are present on each tree. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I liberated another one in the woods (sorry, I shouldn’t have, but……). Available from:  http://michiganflora.net/home.aspx. I want trees rather than multiple trunks so I am pruning them up before I allow them to branch. The desert ironwood tree of Arizona produces one of the heaviest woods in the world. been wondering about this tree for more than 50 years, thanks Google! February 2011. A natural history of trees of eastern and central North America. Available from. Possibly a guitar neck? The “female” catkins are 1.2-1.9 cm (0.5-0.75 in) long and have hairy, greenish scales. I watered them well in the first two years and they are thriving. Barnes BV, Wagner, WH Jr. 2004. 3 vols. 12: 429. Ray Mears is not just an author, but also has several television series about traditional survival skills and wild foods. In … Walters. A heavily seeding tree is between 25 and 50 years old. Musclewood has many great characteristics: hardiness, pest and insect resistance, lovely bark and limbs, alkaline soil tolerance, 2” to 4” flowers of pendulous leafy green bracts, and superb fall color. In context|uncountable|lang=en terms the difference between ironwood and musclewood is that ironwood is (uncountable) the wood of any ironwood tree while musclewood is (uncountable) the wood of this species. Albion Trees. TIME OF YEAR: Flowers March to May, nutlets late August to winter. Blue beech (Carpinus caroliniana), also called musclewood or American hornbeam, is a small, slow-growing tree, native to Minnesota and the eastern U.S. This species has many common names, but the common name Blue-Beech stems from its bark having a strikingly similar look to that of American Beech. 1913. There are some 33,000 seeds to a pound, though every three to five years the tree will produce larger crops than usual. Spring catkins and buds are high quality forage for grouse and an important habitat component. It is also called ironwood for its very dense timber. But you could probably find someone in your area that will kill dry it for you professionally and slowly takes about a week. I do have a comment regarding Hornbeam vs. Carpinus caroliniana, or Blue Beech, is a member of Betulaceae (the birch family). Hop Hornbeam… I have learned my trees (in Illinois and North Carolina) and we refer to Hornbeam- Carpinus caroliniana as “Musclewood”, and Hop Hornbeam- Ostrya virginiana as “Ironwood”. and western Honduras. I have found lots of your species here in Fort Bend County, Texas. I live close to Niagara Falls, Ontario and looked in a local park to see what grows naturally in this area. Ironwood tree leaves fall during the drought season. Love this website, especially the archives. Best wood for bow making from what I’ve read is osage orange wood. Carpinus caroliniana, the American hornbeam, is a small hardwood tree in the genus Carpinus.American hornbeam is also known as blue-beech, and musclewood.It is native to eastern North America, from Minnesota and southern Ontario east to Maine, and south to eastern Texas and northern Florida.It also grows in Canada (southwest Quebec and southeast Ontario). Ann Arbor, MI: Univ. Interesting… I’ve found some persimmons near 70 feet tall doing the same thing riverside. Thanks all the wonderful info and reading time you have given me. Leaves are alternate, simple, and borne singly on short shoots in two rows. And so it is with the American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana, (kar-PYE-nus kair-oh-lin-ee-AY-nuh.). [cited 9 May-2016]. It is another important sub-dominant tree that makes up the understory layer of the forest. My brother-in-law is a bow maker and tells me American Hornbeam will make a good bow. The Hornbeam grows throughout eastern North American, from Florida to Quebec, Louisiana north to Ontario  It is also found in Texas, Arkansas, central and southern Mexico, Guatemala. Hop Hornbeam… I have learned my trees (in Illinois and North Carolina) and we refer to Hornbeam- Carpinus caroliniana as “Musclewood”, and Hop Hornbeam- Ostrya virginiana as “Ironwood”. Thank You. References: Barnes BV, Wagner, WH Jr. 2004. 2014. The flowers are wind-pollinated. 4 m tall, and was in fair condition due to a wound at the base of the tree. To have an upright cultivar with all these attributes is In Minnesota, it is found in the understory in forests of maple, basswood, oak, cherry and white birch. Comments or questions about this site, or for permission to use photos and information. In North America there are numerous trees called "Ironwood", here in the East it is usually the American Hornbeam, which is in the beech family (also goes by musclewood, and several other slang) heavy dense, understory tree (not nearly as dense and substantial as western Desert Ironwood). Information about the common street trees of Albion, Michigan [Internet]. Are the seeds from the hop horn beam tree edible as well? If you are still searching for it, this fall I can probably gather some for you, we have the ‘blue beech’ hornbeam, and in fact I was looking around online to identify the trees in order to make the ‘hornbeam’ bach flower remedy for someone. The bark of this tree is thin, bluish-gray, and smooth. The tree is at least 22 years old, and probably a good bit older than that. pbsdonah@hal-pc.org. In timberland the Hornbeam is considered a tough weed because it is too small for commercial use. Leaves alternate, simple, elliptical to oval, 3 to 5 inches long, smaller on younger trees, pinnately veined, tip tapers to a sharp point, long and short teeth on leaves, smooth green above, paler below. Where I grew up it was called Ironwood or Hornbeam (which means hard tree.) Now, in its third year, (in an unusually hot and dry summer) I still never let it get too dry. The Primitave Archer website says it’s #2 with osage-orange being #1. (Funny how one tree can have so many slang names!) ENVIRONMENT: Moist areas of established forests, occasionally fields. I planted it and mulched, and watered frequently for two years. There was one on a property my Father owned and later sold. Britton, N.L., and A. This species is highly shade-tolerant, slow growing, and short lived. The Bach Flower Remedy does somewhat decrease my fatigue, but I need something stronger. Or knife handles or duck calls ? The lowest branches on the tree spread out well beyond what would be a normal drip edge and I think the top resembled a point, like a Christmas tree, but not as well defined. Brown. Carpinus caroliniana, commonly called American hornbeam, is a slow-growing, deciduous, small to medium-sized understory tree with an attractive globular form.It is native to Missouri where it is typically found in rich moist woods, valleys, ravine bottoms and rocky slopes along streams throughout the eastern and Ozark regions of the state (Steyermark). Carpinus caroliniana subsp. It can be found naturally in areas with moist soil including streambanks, riverbanks, and maritime forests. We also refer to Musclewood as Blue Beech. As for its scientific name, Caroliniana (like Virginiana) means North America, or at least central North America. Boston (MA): Houghton Mifflin Company 606 p. Skean JD, Nobert HA, Martin LC. I'm a college performance major looking to purchase a professional piccolo, one where I don't have to buy step-up in a few years. Michigan trees, revised and updated: a guide to the trees of the Great Lakes region. Boss, & B.S. Ironwood as well. Just thought that was interesting and notable, if there were regional differences in the nickname Ironwood for two different species. And, I want to put two in my yard. The Hornbeam, however, is heavily used by beaver because it is common their habitat. As fare goes, the nutlets are neither great nor awful, but they are small, which is why they are diminished by most writers. I do have a comment regarding Hornbeam vs. I wanted some instant trees, too so had two large freeman maples planted to hide the neighbour’s balcony. [cited 9 May-2016]. It was used for tool handles. Authors are solely responsible for the content and accuracy of their sites, including opinions they express, Musclewood and Ironwood, names thought to be interchangeable for the same plant species. Take the papery bracts and rub them between you hands to free the nutlets. Seeds, small, quarter to one third inch, ribbed nutlet on a 3-lobed, slightly folded leafy bract (resembles a maple seed), clustered on a long hanging stalk. Hornbeam likes to grow near water or damp conditions. I also have a mimosa that is dying on the opposite side of my house – think it has mimosa wilt. IDENTIFICATION: A small tree, nearly shrubby, to 25 feet,rounded crown, twisted trunk. The name hornbeam refers to the genuine strength of its wood — it is one of the hardest and strongest woods in North America. This is not completely true. Walters. as well as bowls and dishes because it does not crack or split or have any flavor. The small trees own roots were very shallow, so with my pruners it was very easy to liberate the tree. Must be debarked in the spring when the bark is at its slipperiest. The fox will eat the seeds as well. Where can I buy hornbeam seeds for eating, hornbeam leaves for making tea or do anything else herbal with hornbeam. Ironwood is a synonym of hornbeam. Here in the South you’ll hear it called Blue Beech or Water Beech. It is indeed a very hard, heavy and stiff wood. Please make another suggestion if it does not wrap a round. But, it is strong and dense, 45 pounds per cubic foot. though the bark does have some medicinal uses and the leaves have been employed as an astringent. Foraging should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. February 2011. I bought two tiny trees at a local native plant sale that I am pruning to keep as single trunk trees. A.A. Reznicek, E.G. Now that I know what it is, you’ve made my camping trips more interesting… Thx . My friend, a landscape architect,told me to try this Carpinus caroliniana. Available from: http://campus.albion.edu/albiontrees/. As nouns the difference between musclewood and hornbeam is that musclewood is (botany) a common name for the species carpinus caroliniana , a species of deciduous tree while hornbeam is a tree of the genus carpinus , having a smooth gray bark and a ridged trunk, the wood being white and very hard, common along the banks of streams in the united states. Scientific Name of Snapdragon and American Hornbeam is used by scientists worldwide. The leaf blades are 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long and 2-4 cm (0.75-1.5 in) wide. Hornbeam Tree Vs Beech. Its other common name Ironwood is used to describe the dense, tough wood of this species. ), but as I learned last weekend ironwood is an alternate name for at least two other trees.. Ironwood’s official name is eastern hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana).). Qualities of Ironwood (Also Called "Hornbeam") "American Hornbeam" and "Hop Hornbeam" are hard and strong, especially well suited for tool handles and timber-frame pegs. Ted Donaho Typically growing into a large shrub or small tree, this species has been known to reach heights of 5-10 m (15-35 ft) and develop trunks 15-30 cm (6-12 in) in diameter. I too remember musclewood as the common name of American hornbeam growing up in Connecticut. They had only very sparse roots of their own. Likewise I have noticed that birch essential oil does slightly decrease my fatigue, so perhaps other products from the birch family might be helpful also? It is located at N42.24329°, W084.72828°. Peattie, Donald C. 1948. “Male” catkins are not visible until spring, typically 2.5-4 cm (1-1.75 in) long, and are greenish in color. British author Ray Mears must have been thinking of the Hornbeam when he said a forager mustn’t pass up food no matter how meager. and Albion College disclaims any and all liability for that content, its accuracy, and opinions it may contain. While it is not a beech per se, its leaves — which turn orange red in the fall —  can remind one of a beech as can its bark. When I liberated my tree(s) from the woods, I found that they are “sprouts” growing from the roots of another tree. Hornbeam looks taut, cut and buff, as if it goes to the forest gym twice a day and lifts … iron. My Winter Tree Finder calls it ironwood (it doesn’t even list the hophornbeam name! I believe the variety I have here is American hop hornbeam. I suspect their great size is primarily due having to reach for the sun among the oaks and poplars. I consider myself as a proverbial green thumb and can get most things to survive but I read it is difficult to transplant so I want to take precautions. This species has many common names, but the common name Blue-Beech stems from its bark having a strikingly similar look to that of American Beech. The leaves are alternate with a doubly toothed margin. Ironwood is a common name for many woods or plants that have a reputation for hardness, or specifically a wood density that is heavier than water (approximately 1000 kg/m 3, or 62 pounds per cubic foot), although usage of the name ironwood in English may or may not indicate a … The small nuts are edible, but seldom used by humans. Does the musclewoon wrap around itself? I didn’t discover this tree until I retired and moved to the city – and finally have time to “look” at my surroundings. This wood is excellent for making bows, furniture, or anything else that you want to last forever. They are elliptical to oblong, sharp pointed, and the margins are sharply doubly serrated with larger teeth at the ends of veins. However Musclewood is not a true beech species. Copyright 2007-2018 – This web page is the property of Green Deane, LLC. Ray Mears also reports the sprouts are edible. University of Michigan [Internet]. However it occupies different sites than the Hop-Hornbeam tree which is another understory species. Seems pretty uniform across the board with the other arborists in my field that I’ve come encountered. Michigan Flora Online. Dr. Green Deane, Information about the common street trees of Albion, Michigan [Internet]. It’s been used for tool handles and support poles and. Wow… I’ve been going to a campsite for 6 years without knowing what that tree was. However Musclewood is not a true beech species. Muscelwood is a species that is native to Michigan. It is no surprise that the strong wood of this tree has given it several other common names; American hornbeam, musclewood, and ironwood. No matter how you look at it, this tree has confusing names. Please direct questions or comments to websupport@albion.edu. However, it makes a good firewood. It’s doing well and seems happy in its new setting – a little woodland that I planted at the back of our yard. While Carpinus contains 25 species of trees, only the blue beech is native to North America. The existing trees are not what I would have chosen, but trees are precious and so they will remain. Wild Turkey, Squirrel, Cottontails, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Downy Woodpecker, and Purple Finch have been observed to feed on the hop-like seeds and buds. 2014. Wind can disperse them up to 64 feet from the tree. It appears to have parts of the trunk that wrap around the main trunk, like you could put your elbows inside one another and wrap your arms around each other. American hornbeam is also called musclewood because of the sinewy appearance of its smooth gray bark. Boss, & B.S. Wonder if a bow could be made from this wood? It is part of the Betulaceae (birch) family and has several nicknames, including blue beech, muscle beech, water beech, muscletree, musclewood, and ironwood. A.A. Reznicek, E.G. Leaves, twigs, and larger stems are eaten by cottontails, beaver, and white-tailed deer. Michigan Press 447 p. Michigan Flora Online. The fruits are small nuts that ripen in mid-summer but are usually persistent until late fall after the leaves have fallen. ... American Hornbeam Musclewood Blue Beech Mdc Discover Nature Hornbeam Ironwood Blue Beech Eat The Weeds And Other Things Too Carpinus Betulus Hornbeam Tree Identification Guide Namethatplant Net Hop Hornbeam And As nouns the difference between ironwood and musclewood is that ironwood is (countable) any of a number of tree species known for having a particularly solid wood while musclewood … Carpinus caroliniana trees are a good lesson in the value of using scientific names when referring to different species of plants and animals. 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Are all waiting for the use or misuse of information contained in this.... Me the clearest differentiator Father owned and later sold to make charcoal powder must be debarked in understory. Osage orange wood short lived 2016, this tree had a diameter at breast height