American hornbeam

The American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a tree native to North America, also known as water beech or blue beech. It is characterized by its smooth, grayish bark, toothed leaves, and winged fruit. This slow-growing tree typically reaches heights of up to 12 meters (39 feet) and is sometimes called ironwood due to its very hard and durable wood. The leaves turn scarlet or orange-yellow in the autumn. The American hornbeam is less commonly used as an ornamental compared to its European relative and prefers partial shade and protection from wind.12