Carpinus caroliniana – American Hornbeam

A common understory tree in the Catskills and underused in the home landscape. This tree has multiseason interest. In winter the sinuous, rippled trunk, covered in blue-gray bark, gives rise to another common name – Musclewood. Fall color can be outstanding – yellow blended with orange, scarlet, even maroon. In spring, the flowers hang in long slender catkins and they remain ornamental through summer, fall and into early winter. Adapts to sun or shade, but avoid overly dry soil.