Small, deciduous, North American treeDescription: Smooth, slate grey bark is irregularly fluted, giving an overall appearance of flexed muscles; delicate branching habit Habit: Grows 20-35 feet high and wideCulture: Prefers deep, rich, moist, and slightly acidic soils; this highly adaptable tree occurs naturally in woodlands along rivers and streams, but can tolerate sunHardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3Origin: Eastern North America Attributes: Fall color Jefferson documented Also commonly known as American Hornbeam, Musclewood, and Blue Beech, this sturdy understory tree grows natively from Nova Scotia to Minnesota and south to Florida and Texas. Early New England settlers used the wood to make bowls and dishes that did not leak. Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon listed this native species in his 1806 American Gardener's Calendar and Jefferson directed the planting of "horn beams," along with a number of other trees at Monticello, circa 1808. The beech-like leaves, which turn deep scarlet and orange in the fall, and its zigzag branching habit make Ironwood a handsome specimen in the landscape.This plant will ship bare root. Approximately 2-3' tall. Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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