European Hornbeam, Musclewood, Ironwood
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 40-60' tall and 30-60' wide. Slow to moderate growth rate, about 10' over a 10 year period.

Native Range

Europe, Asia Minor, southeast of England. Long cultivated.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are monoecious, male catkins are yellow, female catkins are green, both are small and not ornamentally important. Fruits are small, ribbed nutlets, each 0.25" long, appearing in drooping, 5" long clusters, maturing in September-October.

Leaf and Bark Features

Yellow or yellowish green fall color, quite late. Bark is slate gray with muscle-like fluting.

Culture and Care

Transplant in spring. Prefers well-drained soils, but tolerant of wide range of soil conditions. Performs best in full sun but will tolerate light to moderate shade. Pruning is seldom required but withstands heavy pruning. No serious disease or insect problems.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Clean foliage.

Suggested Uses

Excellent for screens, hedges, groupings, around large buildings, in malls, planter boxes. Creates dense shade.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA