The reference to muscle relates to the tree’s characteristic fluted trunk and branches that look like muscle tissue.
Its wood is very strong and sometimes is used to make tools and other implements.
It produces dark green summer leaves that turn a variegated orange in the fall.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Come winter, its blue-gray bark creates a beautiful contrast to the snow in northern climates.
American Hornbeam Care
The American hornbeam looks gorgeous in all seasons.
That way, it won’t outcompete other trees.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Along those lines, remember to consider its mature size when planting.
Other than providing regular watering, the hornbeam is relatively low-maintenance.
It is also quite adaptable and can tolerate full sun.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Ideally it should get around four to six hours of light per day.
While they are able to grow in clay soil, loam is best.
Poor soil drainage will cause them to grow more slowly.
Water
This tree needs regular watering during dry spells.
Installing drip irrigation for summer maintenance is helpful.
When the weather is hot and dry, give the tree a deep soak once per week.
A layer of mulch over the roots will help to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizer
American hornbeams typically do not need fertilizer.
Types of American Hornbeam
The American hornbeam has some cultivars with slightly different appearances.
They include:
Pruning
This tree can form multiple trunks if left to its own devices.
Other than that, you generally only have to prune to remove dead or diseased branches.
you’re free to also prune this species to create aformal hedgeorliving fence.
This works well for adding privacy to your yard without the eyesore of a tall fence.
Regular pruning will be necessary to maintain the hedge shape.
Proper maintenance and appropriate water amounts should prevent this.
The tree holds its dead leaves through the winter.
The leaves are a brown color and somewhat wrinkled.
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: HornbeamUC IPM.
Accessed August 11, 2021. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/hornbeam.html.
Kelby Fite, PhD.
The Bartlett Lab Staff, n.d. https://www.bartlett.com/resources/two-lined-chestnut-borer.pdf.
