American Hornbeam-Carpinus caroliniana

Something to Ponder:

The American Hornbeam and its cousin, the European Hornbeam, are members of the birch family. Both are known for their strong wood and slow rate of growth that usually ends with a standing about 25 feet tall. The major differences between the two trees are that the American Hornbeam bud is usually straight, not curved like the European Hornbeam, and the former is much more difficult to transplant.

The American Hornbeam is known by several nicknames including: Blue Beech, Muscle Beech, and Muscle Wood because its trunk and leaves resemble muscle tissue, and the wood is compared to the strength of iron. In fact, the wood is so durable that most wood workers shy away from using the wood because it is so hard.

But the Hornbeam wood is used when something long-lasting is necessary. Pioneers used the wood for coach wheels, dishes, windmills, and tool handles. Even today the wood is used in pianos and carving boards. It is a wood that can take a lot of stressful use and not crack or splinter.

God has gifted people in our lives like that. It sometimes isn’t easy to see but look deeper and you may find some “ironwood people” in your life. These are the people you can count on to get you through the rocky times of life. People that can take the hits you have taken and help you do the same. Without fanfare, these people just show up to help do what needs to be done.

Take another look at this tree. It isn’t tall and it doesn’t have the color of some of the other native trees, but it is likely the strongest wood of all the trees you can see. Now picture the people in your life and give thanks to God for the strength of the saints that surround you.

Learn More:

Short and stubby, this small hardwood tree is native to eastern North America. American Hornbeam-Carpinus caroliniana can have more than one trunk and is highly adaptable to a wide variety of light conditions, including full sun to full shade. It thrives best in moist or wet soil that is acidic, although it can tolerate slight alkalinity. The leaves are green through the summer and turn a golden-yellow in the fall. The tree will grow to 45 feet tall with a 40 foot spread. Often called Ironwood, Blue Beech or Water Beech, it is sensitive to drought, heat and compact soil. Fruits a nutlet on a 3-lobed bract. The hard wood was used by early Americans to make bowls, tool handles and ox yokes.