American hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana Walter

Family: BetulaceaeZones: 3a to 9b per NC State; USDA 3A to 9A per UF/IFAS

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

The NC State page had no poison lines for this tree.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 9b per NC State; USDA 3A to 9A per UF/IFAS
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: Height 20 to 30 ft, width 20 to 35 ft per NC State. UF/IFAS: 20 to 30 ft tall and 20 to 30 ft wide, growing slowly.
Where it comes from: Eastern Canada to the southeastern U.S. (NC State); most of the eastern U.S., southeast Quebec and southwest Ontario (UF/IFAS).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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