Carpinus caroliniana 'Wisonsin Red'

Musclewood or American hornbeam is a relatively uncommon native tree that deserves more attention. It grows in just about any condition: full sun to shade, moist to dry, acidic to alkaline, however, it is native to the forest understory and does prefer a moist, shaded environment. This tough tree tolerates clay soil and black walnuts and is rarely bothered by pests or diseases.

Musclewood is so named for its distinctive fluted, smooth grey trunk which appears to be layered with muscle once mature.

This attractive globe-shaped tree bursts into life with male and female catkins in early spring. Fertilized female catkins become nutlets, which are much loved by birds. The crinkled, dark green leaves are quite attractive in summer, but the real show comes in fall. 'Wisconsin Red' is an excellent strain selected by a breeder in Wisconsin for its extraordinary red and orange fall colors.

Zones: 3 to 9

Family: Betulaceae

Type: Deciduous Tree

Height: 15 to 20 ft.

Spread: 10 to 15 ft.

Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil Conditions: Medium

Bloom Time: March

Bloom Color: Yellow (male) and green (female)

Native Range: most of the eastern United States

Image Credits:

• Images 1 (mature form) Sherief Saleh, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
• Image 2 (trunk) Richard Webb, Bugwood.org, USA, CC BY 3.0 US <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons