The American hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana, is also known as the blue-beech, ironwood, water-beech, or, in Spanish, lechillo. An American hornbeam can be spotted in the Simon Center parking lot.

The American hornbeam is a small tree, occasionally found as a shrub, with a slow growth and a short lifespan. Large individuals reach heights of 65 feet with diameters of 27 inches and a crown spread of 66 feet, although more commonly the trees are much smaller. In Canada, the height of mature trees averages between 15 to 20 feet, while in the southern reaches of its range the American hornbeam averages 25 to 35 feet.

The American hornbeam can be found in greatly varied climates and under varied conditions. For example, frost-free periods can range from 80 to 320 days. While not limited to any particular soil, the American hornbeam does do best on rich, wet-mesic soils. Abundant soil moisture but good drainage are ideal to prevent saturation and poor aeration, and the tree is only moderately tolerant of flooding. Alluvial or collvial soils are also ideal. The American hornbeam is usually found in acidic soils with a pH of 4 to 5.6, though can be found in soils with a pH as high as 7.4. The American hornbeam is also very shade-tolerant, especially in younger trees.

The tree is resistant to frost and wind, but is susceptible to fire, likely because of its thin bard. Insects and diseases are not an issue. Once a tree is dying, it rots very quickly.

The bark tends to be smooth and slate grey, with some ridges.

The American hornbeam has distinct male and female catkins, although both appear on the same trees, making the tree monoecious. Catkins and pollen appear in the spring, and depending on location flowering follows from late March through May. The fruit of the American hornbeam is an ovoid nutlet, ribbed with three lobes. American hornbeams begin producing seeds at 15 years of age, peaking between 25 and 50 years before ceasing towards 75 years. Seeds are usually dispersed by birds.