Hornbeam is a flowering plant in the family betulaceae. it is a moderate to large deciduous tree reaching a height of 2035 m, usually with a single trunk. the bark is smooth and pale gray, often with a greenish tinge. the buds are alternate, small and rounded, with two outer scales and two inner scales. the leaves are alternate, simple and ovate, with a serrated margin. the flowers are wind-pollinated catkins, with inconspicuous male and female flowers on the same plant. the fruit is a small, hard nut.
Related plant:
Hornbeam Tree
About soil condition, Hornbeam can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, from very dry to very wet. It can even tolerates sites that are seasonally wet or flooded. However, it prefers deep, well-drained, moist soils.
So, like the other trees, the hornbeam requires sunlight in order to grow. However, it is tolerant of shady conditions and can even grow in full shade. This makes it a good choice for shady areas of the landscape. The hornbeam also has a relatively high drought tolerance.
The temperature condition of the hornbeam is extremely important to its growth and development. If the temperature is too hot, the leaves will wither and the tree will not produce fruit. If the temperature is too cold, the tree will not produce flowers. The ideal temperature range for the hornbeam is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant doesn't need a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer will produce lots of leaves but few flowers. If you want to give your plant a nutrient boost, compost is a great option. As for the roots, they're quite sensitive to disturbance. So, when transplanting or repotting, be extra careful not to damage them.
Pruning hornbeam is best done in late winter or early spring. This will help to ensure that the plant puts out new growth in the spring. You should prune back any dead or diseased branches first. Then, you can prune back any branches that are growing in an undesirable direction.
Propagation is generally by seed, sown in autumn in a cold frame. The seed germinates in the following spring. When large enough to handle, the seedlings are transplanted to their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 710 cm (34 in) long, taken in July/August and autumn, root readily if given bottom heat.
Usually, the plant growth rate measurements place the average annual growth rate of the hornbeam at between 1 and 2 feet. However, individual trees have been known to grow as much as 4 feet in a single year. The hornbeam is a fast-growing plant that can reach its full potential size in just a few years.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These diseases can be controlled with fungicide sprays. Aphids and Japanese beetles may also feed on the leaves, causing damage.
Source:
American Hornbeam | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
American Hornbeam - MSU Extension
Hornbeam, American (Musclewood) | Nebraska Forest Service
