CARPINUS CAROLINIANA / BLUE BEECH / MUSCLEWOOD

CARPINUS CAROLINIANA / BLUE BEECH / MUSCLEWOOD

A Hardy, Unique Tree with Striking Bark and Dense Foliage

Carpinus caroliniana, commonly known as Blue Beech or Musclewood, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree known for its distinctive, smooth, muscular-looking bark and dense, dark green foliage. This native tree is adaptable to a variety of soils and thrives in moist, well-drained areas. It is an excellent choice for adding unique texture, visual interest, and wildlife habitat to your landscape. Its compact size and low-maintenance nature make it a great option for smaller gardens, woodland settings, or naturalized spaces.

Why Choose Blue Beech / Musclewood?

• Unique Bark: Features smooth, muscle-like bark that gives it a distinctive and attractive appearance, especially in winter.

• Adaptable and Hardy: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay and loamy soils, and thrives in USDA Zones 3–9.

• Attractive Foliage: Dark green, serrated leaves provide a lush canopy during the growing season, turning yellow in the fall.

• Wildlife-Friendly: Provides shelter and food for birds and small mammals.

Key Features

• Bark: Smooth, gray to silver-gray bark with a distinctive "muscle-like" appearance, especially noticeable in winter months.

• Growth Habit: A small to medium-sized tree, typically growing 20–30 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9, suitable for a variety of climates and soil conditions.

• Foliage: Dark green, serrated leaves that transition to yellow in the fall, creating a beautiful seasonal display.

Specifications

• Plant Size: Typically grows 20–30 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9, perfect for a range of growing conditions.

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, with the best growth in moist, well-drained soil.

• Soil Requirements: Thrives in loamy, moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate clay and slightly drier conditions once established.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland Gardens: Adds texture and interest to shaded or woodland gardens, blending well with other native plants.

• Small to Medium Landscapes: Its compact size makes it an excellent option for smaller gardens or as an accent tree.

• Wildlife Habitats: Provides shelter and food for birds and small mammals, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Naturalized Areas: Perfect for naturalized or low-maintenance spaces, adding a unique aesthetic to the landscape.

Carpinus caroliniana, or Blue Beech / Musclewood, is a hardy and attractive tree with distinctive bark and dense foliage. Its adaptability, wildlife benefits, and unique appearance make it a standout choice for adding texture and interest to a variety of garden settings, from woodland gardens to small landscapes.

NATIVE TO ONTARIO