American hornbeam, or musclewood, is a surprising understory tree with smooth, silvery-grey bark and a sinewy trumk and stems reminiscent of a muscular figure. Most typically located in rich, moist woodlands, this tree is great for naturalizing in shady or woodland gardens, but can also make a great specimen plant when strategically pruned and located appropriately. In spring, male and female individuals produce their respective flowers in dangling catkins, with females producing clusters of winged nutlets later in the season. 

Return to Plant Search Home