Plant Finder

Other Names:  Blue Beech, Ironwood, Musclewood, Water Beech

Brand:  J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Description:

A vigorous, upright, columnar selection with ascending branches; interesting gray bark is almost muscular in appearance; highly attractive red to orange fall color; excellent cold hardiness; a uniform street tree appearance for smaller areas

Ornamental Features

Rising Fire® American Hornbeam has forest green deciduous foliage on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The serrated pointy leaves turn outstanding shades of red and in the fall. It produces small clusters of brick red hop-like fruit from early fall to late winter, which fade to brown over time. The furrowed gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Rising Fire® American Hornbeam is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Rising Fire® American Hornbeam is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Hedges/Screening
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Rising Fire® American Hornbeam will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.