Species Blue-Beech
green leaves on brown branches and trunk

Blue-Beech

Carpinus caroliniana subsp. virginiana

Also Known As - Blue Beech,Water Beech,Ironwood,Musclewood,Water Beech,Ironwood,Musclewood
Blue-Beech, or Carpinus caroliniana subsp. virginiana, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It is part of the Betulaceae family, which also includes alders, birches, and hazel. This tree reaches a height of 30-60 feet with an oblong, broad crown. Its bark is light gray and smooth, with warty ridges and vertical grooves. Its young twigs and buds are a beautiful blue hue. Its leaves are deeply reversed and long, with a toothed margin, turning yellow in fall. C. caroliniana subsp. virginiana is a perfect choice for urban lanes and gardens due to its tolerance to drought and pollution. It also offers great habitat for pollinators and birds.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

White (female), Green (male) Flowers

Sun:

Partial Shade, Shade

Soil:

Clay, Loam

Fruits:

blue,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blue-beech should be watered as needed and typically no more than once a week. When it comes to watering, the general rule is to make sure the soil is damp but not soaking wet. However, if the temperature is very hot or the plant is in a particularly dry area, more frequent watering may be necessary. Depending on the humidity, soil type, and other conditions, Blue-beech may need more frequent watering, possibly even twice a week during very hot, dry months. They do not tolerate wet feet, and it is best to avoid constantly moist soil. Over-watering can kill the plant. During the summer, adjust your watering frequency according to the weather.

sunlight

Blue-Beech does best in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. It requires at least around 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight a day, preferably during the earliest part of the day. Morning sun is preferred, as its leaves can be burned by strong afternoon sunlight. Because of its southern range, Blue-Beech may be able to tolerate all-day direct sunlight in some climates, but it should not be exposed to the sun during the hottest part of the day for extended periods of time.

pruning

Blue-beech should be pruned in late winter or early spring just before the new growth begins. Pruning should be done selectively to maintain the natural shape of the tree and remove damaged, crowded, or diseased branches. When pruning, 1 should aim to remove no more than 1-third of the living crown (leaves) each year, as this will help maintain the health of the tree. Dead or broken branches should be pruned out immediately regardless of the time of year.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Carpinus caroliniana subsp. virginiana (Blue-Beech) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Blue-Beech typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Carpinus caroliniana subsp. virginiana (Blue-Beech) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map