Is this a Beech, Hornbeam (or other tree?)

10 years ago

I moved this from a family members woods in mid-north Michigan a couple of years back and we always thought it was a beech tree (since it was located near/under another beech tree). It seems that the colors of the tree are not consistent with most beech trees I have seen (more of a red/orange vs yellow) and the leaves also look very similar to those of a hornbeam (blue beech, musclewood, etc...).

Many of the leaves are still on the tree and brown but from what I have read that is consistent with both species.

Any help identifying this tree would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Steve

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Comments (5)

Embothrium
10 years ago
Because of the fall color and general appearance will probably turn out to be the blue beech.
corkball
10 years ago
agree - carpinus has very slender fine buds like your photo. true beech has longer fatter buds and leaves are not as finely serated
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longtee81 (Zone 5a)
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the responses.
After doing some more research you are both right.

I found a very good link that clearly shows the differences between the two. Very pretty tree in the fall (Unfortunately the deer love it too)!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hornbeam contrasted with Beech Tree
hairmetal4ever
10 years ago
Yup - definitely Carpinus caroliniana - American Hornbeam AKA Blue Beech (but not a true beech as you probably know).
calliope
10 years ago
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have a chance seedling volunteer away from the wooded areas and thought it might be a hornbeam, stuck it in a container and overwintered it and was also not quite sure what it was, but that I wanted it and it was worth saving. You just saved me a post.