Tree
American Hornbeam, Musclewood, Ironwood
Carpinus caroliniana
Features
Crisp, green summer foliage; smooth gray bark and branches with a sinewy or muscled appearance; red-orange fall color.
Culture
Full sun to shade; best in moist soils, but tolerates both wet and dry sites; prefers slightly acid to neutral soil pH.
Cultivars
Mature Height
20-30 Feet
Size
Small
Medium
Mature Form
Rounded to broad-spreading
Native To:
United States (and Illinois)
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
Tolerance
Dry Sites
Wet Sites
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Massing
Patio
Shade
Street
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Orange
Red
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional Notes
This is an understory tree in the forest so it is able to withstand a great deal of shade
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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