A new selection of our native Carpinus caroliniana, selected by renowned plantsman Michael Yanny, who has been selecting and improving the native Musclewood tree, also known as American Hornbeam. He has now released the Wisconsin Red™ strain, which has amazing fall color, so much so, in fact, if you didn't know better, you would suspect it was a different species. The handsome, ovate leaves emerge light green in spring, transition to rich, dark green in summer, and then turn to unrivaled, blazing red, orange, and yellow tones in fall. Its foliage is not the only outstanding characteristic; as its common name, "Musclewood," suggests, the trunk develops muscle-like fluting and exfoliating, smooth bark, which is highly ornamental, especially during winter. Reaching 20 to 30 feet tall and equally as wide when fully grown, Wisconsin Red is easy to grow and highly adaptable, thriving from the Deep South (Zone 9) to Zone 3a in Canada, where winter lows can plunge to -40F, and in a variety of soils, including clay. It tends to be happiest in woodland borders, where it might receive a little filtered sun or shade during the day; however, it will tolerate full-sun sites. Get all the details below