Carpinus caroliniana 'Fire King' (American Hornbeam)

$265.95
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Size
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Carpinus caroliniana 'Fire King' is a showy, semi-compact variety of American hornbeam, also called musclewood for its sinewy form and strong wood. Commonly found in the wild as a small to medium understory tree that grows along rivers throughout the eastern US, the 'Fire King' variety was selected as both an ornamental and a hardy variety, selected by nurseryman Mike Yanny as one of only 12 sapling to survive an especially harsh winter in the early 2000s. Typically growing to a mature size of 20-25' tall and 25-30' wide, 'Fire King' musclewood forms an upright, rounded canopy of strong, fluted branches with an absolutely stunning fall foliage display in colors spanning the fall rainbow. While it typically prefers partial to full shade, Carpinus caroliniana 'Fire King' can also be adaptable to drier, sunnier sites and works beautiful as a full sun specimen tree. 

Though its fall ornamental value is definitely a part of the 'Fire King' variety's appeal, this compact tree is not just a looker, as Carpinus caroliniana is also an ecologically valuable selection, and attracts a host of pollinators, including swallowtail butterflies, as well as birds and small mammals to whom the tree provides cover, shelter, and a steady source of seed through the fall and winter months. As a member of the ironwood group of trees, Carpinus caroliniana is noted for its dense, heavy wood that is so dense it actually sinks in water; dense, strong wood implies slow growth, but also means that trees are fairly tidy when planted in yards or on large properties, as branches are less likely to snap and litter the ground. With improved fall display, a more formal mature appearance, and the versatility to handle full sun to full shade as well as a variety of soil types, 'Fire King' is sure to rule in your home landscape.

Native to U.S., Native to Maryland, and Native to Eastern Shore
Mature Tree Height: Medium: 15 to 30 feet
Deciduous
Sun (6+ hours), Part Shade/Sun (4-6 hours of sun), Full Shade (less than 4 hours of sun), and Sun to Shade-Wide Tolerance
Soil Moisture: Medium, Well-drained, and Wide Tolerance
Soil Type: Average, Loam, Rich Organic Matter, Sand, and Wide Tolerance
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: Green
Foliage Color: Green
Features: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Wildlife, Host Plant for Butterflies or Moths, and Fall Color
Tolerances: Black Walnut Tolerant, Shade Tolerant, Wet Soil Tolerant, Dry Shade Tolerant, and Drought Tolerant
Garden Type: Pollinator Garden, Woodland Garden, Small Space, Specimen Tree, and Shade Tree

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Marylanders Plant Trees

From the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

"We launched Marylanders Plant Trees in 2009 to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State to plant new trees. Today, citizens can still take advantage of our coupon program to receive $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State. The State cost of $20 per coupon is funded through a settlement from a major power generator for Clean Air Act violations, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General, and Maryland’s participating tree vendors are generously absorbing the remaining $5.

Trees must be planted in the state of Maryland to qualify for $25 off coupon.
Wholesale customers do not qualify.

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