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The name hornbeam is derived from the toughness of its wood, which is comparable to a horn, and the Old English word for tree, “beam.” Because it is a hard hedging plant, it is also famous for decorative and practical uses in the real world.

American hornbeam is native to the north-central United States, but it is also found across the country where fall colors are expected. The new leaves are a purple shade of red and progressively change to dark green, yellow, and orange/red in the fall. It provides a year-round display of color, making it an ideal centerpiece bonsai.

Even during winters, the blueish gray bark of the tree with long, sinewy ridges offers a distinctive touch. As with other hornbeams, the serrated leaves with diagonal ridges create a distinct look.

It is deciduous, which means that it will shed all its leaves in the autumn (providing you with the fantastic fall colors associated with New England and other similar locations). And will remain bare during winter.

American hornbeams are a powerful shade tree that thrives in many circumstances. They are compact trees that perfectly match the scale of the typical residential landscaping.

Hornbeam is also known as ironwood and muscle wood. It is renowned for having strong wood that seldom splits or cracks. Early pioneers discovered these trees were perfect for the production of mallets and other tools, along with bowls and plates. They are tiny trees that provide a variety of functions in the residential environment. They have a beautiful, wide shape shaded by neighboring trees but a dense, dense growth pattern when exposed to sunlight. You’ll appreciate the dangling, hop-like fruit that hangs from the trees till autumn. The tree’s orange, red, and yellow leaves grow throughout the autumn.

Humans and wildlife benefit from the shade provided by hornbeam trees. Birds and small mammals seek cover and nesting sites among the branches. They also feed on the fruit and nut-lets that develop later in the year. A tree is an excellent option for wildlife habitats, attracting various desired songbirds and swallowtail butterflies. Leaves and twigs provide food for rabbits, beavers, and white-tailed deer. Beavers make considerable use of the tree, most likely because it flourishes in beaver habitats. The information in this article on the hornbeam tree will assist you in how to care for it.

Hornbeam Varieties:

  • American hornbeams (Carpinus Caroliniana) are the most widely planted hornbeam species in the United States. This tree is also known as blue beech due to the blue-grey colour of its bark. It is an indigenous understory tree found in woodlands across the Eastern United States and southernmost Canada. This medium-sized tree suits most landscapes. Although it may reach a height of 30 feet (9 meters) in the open, it is unlikely to exceed 20 feet in a shaded or protected setting (6 m.). Its strong branches spread nearly as well as its height.
  • Japanese hornbeam is the tiniest hornbeam type (Carpinus japonica). Due to its diminutive size, it can fit into even the tiniest yards and under power lines. The leaves are lightweight and easy to clean. Japanese hornbeams are suitable for bonsai cultivation.
  • In the United States, the European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is rarely grown. It is moreover twice the height of American hornbeam, yet it grows at a fantastic rate. Generally, landscapers favor trees that provide results more quickly.

How long does Carpinus (Hornbeam) Bonsai take to grow?

Tree height varies between 20 and 40 feet, and width varies between 20 and 30 feet. The rate of growth is slow, around 1 foot per year.

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Hornbeam growth conditions are found across the United States, save at the southernmost points, ranging from USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. They thrive in either direct or indirect sunlight and prefer organically rich soil. In the absence of rain, young hornbeams need to be watered regularly but may allow a more extended time between watering when they mature.

Organic soil that retains moisture well can assist in reducing the quantity of supplementary watering required. Fertilize hornbeam trees growing in good soil only if the foliage is pale or the tree is not growing well. Pruning hornbeams are situational.

For optimal health, the tree requires little trimming. The branches are highly robust and require minimal care. If desired, prune the branches up the trunk to provide space for landscaping maintenance. If you have children who will love climbing the tree, leaving the lowest branches intact is better.

How to plant and Grow Carpinus (Hornbeam) Bonsai

Conditions of the Soil

Hornbeams prefer wet, organic soil. Additionally, it minimizes the requirement for extra watering. While adult hornbeams may go long without watering, younger hornbeams require frequent watering, particularly during the dry seasons.

Loam soil, which is a combination of organic matter, clay, and silt, is ideal for growing hornbeams from seed.

Planting

Certain people opt to cultivate hornbeams from nursery seedlings. However, with sufficient time and commitment, it is feasible to produce hornbeam from seeds.

Hornbeam seed collection and preparation

Hornbeam seeds germinate more readily if planted after they fall in the autumn. Hornbeam seeds that have been dried and stored frequently become dormant.

  • Soak the hornbeam seed clusters for approximately eight hours in water.
  • Crush the seed to release the tiny seeds that are within.
  • Dispose of any seed floating to the top.
  • Hornbeam seed planting
  • Prepare 5-inch loam soil pots.
  • Plant 2 seeds for each pot.
  • Put a compost layer on top.
  • Water that seems dry when the compost
  • In the early spring, seeds will germinate
  • Keep in a partially shaded location the seedlings

After seeds germinate in the spring, seedlings are ready for transplanting in the summer.

  • Select an outdoor site that is somewhat warmer and brighter than the previous region but not directly in the sun.
  • The spacing between hornbeams varies according to their intended purpose. But it is generally around 7 meters apart, or somewhat closer if used as hedges, and sometimes as close as 2 meters apart for a denser hedge.

How to Care for Your Carpinus (Hornbeam) Bonsai

Placement

American hornbeam bonsai, like other deciduous plants, should be kept outside all year. It must maintain a cool or chilly temperature during the winter (about three months) but must be protected from harsh freezes. Protect your tree in the late fall by burying it or covering the soil around the container. Shield the tree from high winds and direct sunlight (but not from snow or rain). It may be stored in a non-heated garage or shed if necessary.

Winter is a critical time to water your tree. If the risk of freezing has gone, it can be placed back in its regular position in the early spring. The tree should be placed outside with a few hours of direct sunshine for the remainder of the year (morning sun, afternoon shade is best.)

Watering

Never fully dry out the soil. Water your tree thoroughly whenever the soil appears to be dry until the water flows clear from the root. It might be during the growing season each day. If you want help, a decent moisture meter will assist you.

Humidity

If you ever have to bring your American hornbeam bonsai tree indoors, maybe for winter, in a garage, it is recommended that you have a humidity tray. It will keep the water off the floor and will assist in keeping the tree slightly wet throughout the dry season.

Fertilizing

Because your American hornbeam bonsai is growing in a container rather than in the ground, fertilizers are required. Pellet-based slow-release fertilizers are excellent for this treatment. You should use it not too frequently for every 1-2 months during the growth time.

Trimming

Trim new growth back to the farthest safe point appropriate to you — but never completely remove it.

Trimming your American hornbeam bonsai tree can help maintain it short while also helping the trunk to grow thicker.

Repotting

When the root system of your bonsai, including the American hornbeam, has filled the pot, repotting must be performed. It’s time to re-pot your bonsai once roots start to sprout from the pot’s bottom.

It indicates that a deciduous tree should be pruned every 2-3 years, while an evergreen should prune every 4-5 years.

Repotting should occur in the middle of the summer when the tree is most vulnerable. Take out the hornbeam bonsai tree and all of its soil from the pot. Trim no more than a third (1/4th is ideal) of the root mass from there.

Then you may either report the tree in the same container or provide it with a newer / larger container to thrive. After repotting, properly water your American hornbeam bonsai.

Pests, Diseases, and Insects

Your American hornbeam bonsai may be treated for pests in the same way that a typical American hornbeam plant is handled. Keep in mind that your tree is tiny and will require a much gentler dose of treatment.