This native tree with colorful fall foliage adapts to a wide climate range.
Its also notably pest- and disease-resistant.
American hornbeam should be planted in the spring.
Choose the location well because American hornbeam is difficult to transplant due to its deep, spreading lateral roots.
Nursery-grown American hornbeam saplings typically come as a single-stem tree.
American hornbeam is a slow grower; it can take decades to reach full height.
Backfill with the original soil.
Water well and continue to water the newly planted tree deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
Plant trees 20 to 35 feet apart.
American Hornbeam Care Tips
Once established, American hornbeam is nearly maintenance-free.
Light
Plant American hornbeam in full or part shade.
Although it tolerates clay or poorly drained soil, it will grow more slowly than in well-drained soil.
Until the tree is established, it needs to be watered regularly in the absence of rain.
Spread a 2-inch-thicklayer of mulchover the root zone to prevent soil moisture loss.
The established tree is fairly drought-tolerant but can also withstand occasional moderate flooding.
The tree does best in moderate humidity.
In a hot, arid climate, it will likely struggle.
Scattering alayer of compostaround the base each spring is optional but will certainly contribute to the trees health.
Pruning
Prune American hornbeam toremove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Any pruning should be done in the winter to avoid sap bleeding.
Pests and Problems
American hornbeam rarely gets serious pests or diseases.
Occasionally leaf spots, cankers, verticillium wilt, or twig blight may occur.
Under stress, the tree is susceptible to damage from the chestnut borer.
How to Propagate American Hornbeam
The propagation of American hornbeam is not recommended for home gardeners.
The seeds need to be collected while green and require several months of moist treatment.
Propagating the tree vegetatively is also better left to nursery trade professionals.
In addition, some of the popular cultivars areprotected by plant patents.
Types of American Hornbeam
Firespire Musclewood
Carpinus carolinianaJ.N.
Zone 4-7
Ball OFire Musclewood
This trademarked cultivar has a compact shape with a rounded canopy.
In the fall, the foliage turns a bright orange red.
It grows very slowly up to a height and width of 15 feet.
The leaves turn into shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall.
It is the most attractive in the fall when it blooms yellow and develops brilliant golden fall foliage.
The shrub grows 12 feet tall and wide.
Zone 3-8
Serviceberry
These small trees and large shrubs in theAmalanchiergenusthrive through all four seasons.
Serviceberry sizes vary greatly, ranging from a low-growing 6-foot shrub to a 25-feet- tall and wide tree-like shrub.
The small lavender-pink, white, or magenta blooms appear on the tree in March and April.
In the fall the heart-shape leaves turn golden.
