FireSpire American Hornbeam

FireSpire is a compact, upright selection of American hornbeam chosen for a narrow crown and vivid orange-red autumn color. It offers the distinctive smooth, fluted trunk of the species in a form suited to tighter planting spaces, small yards, and upright screening. ## Cultivar form [Cornell’s Woody Plants Database](https://woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu/cultivar/1243) lists Firespire for Carpinus caroliniana, identifies ‘J.N. Upright’ as a synonym, and describes a tight upright habit with orange-red fall color; it lists mature dimensions of 20 feet by 10 feet. The current cultivar record uses the trade name FireSpire; the synonym is retained here as identity context rather than silently changing the botanical record. ## Siting American hornbeam is a deciduous eastern North American native. The [USDA Forest Service species account](https://research.fs.usda.gov/silvics/american-hornbeam) describes it as a slow-growing understory tree with a smooth, fluted trunk. Place FireSpire in sun or partial shade and give its crown room to reach its mature spread; young trees benefit from even moisture during establishment. ## Maintenance Keep the natural upright framework and prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches. Water during dry spells while the tree establishes, then adjust irrigation to rainfall and soil conditions.