Introducing the Carpinus caroliniana var. 'Wisconsin Red' (aka the Wisconsin Red American Hornbeam), a special native tree cultivar with breathtaking autumn colors and bark that looks like flexing muscles. It's like a bodybuilder tree. Created by Michael Yanny in Wisconsin, this cultivar boasts stunning red and orange fall foliage, smooth grey bark with unique fluted texture, and a petite size of 25-30 feet. It may grow slowly, but it's worth the wait. This tree can handle full sun or partial shade, and prefers moist, well-drained soil but can adapt to different types. In April and May, it produces catkin flowers, and nutlets in the fall. When it comes to uses, the Wisconsin Red is perfect as an ornamental tree, as its bark and fall colors are eye-catching. It's also great for understory plantings, thriving in shady areas, and can even be used as a specimen tree or for screening
