Native Flame American Hornbeam

Native Flame® is an upright American hornbeam selection with especially bright red autumn foliage. Its oval crown, dense branching, and familiar sinewy gray bark make it a distinctive native shade tree for yards and street plantings. ## Cultivar traits The [J. Frank Schmidt profile](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/native-flame-american-hornbeam/) identifies the cultivar as ‘JFS-KW6’ and reports an upright oval form, green leaves, red fall color, and mature size of 30 feet high by 20 feet wide. [Goodmark Nurseries](https://www.goodmarknurseries.com/product/native-flame-american-hornbeam-tree/) confirms the cultivar identity, zone 5, upright oval habit, and the same size and color. ## Siting Allow space for a broadening crown and use it as a specimen or shade tree. American hornbeam is an eastern North American native; the [University of Minnesota profile](https://trees.umn.edu/blue-beech-carpinus-caroliniana) describes the species as adaptable to full sun through full shade and naturally associated with moist, rich soils. Water consistently while the tree establishes. ## Maintenance Keep the natural upright framework and remove damaged branches as needed. Supplemental water can help during establishment and extended dry periods.