American hornbeam, native to Illinois woodlands, attains heights of 25 to 40 feet when mature. A good choice for naturalistic gardens, in fall, the American hornbeam displays leaves of various colors, ranging from yellow to scarlet to reddish-purple. This tree is at its best in winter, when the picturesque, sinewy, blue-gray branches can be seen. It is also known as musclewood, because its bark resembles muscles, and ironwood, because its wood is heavy and hard. This is an outstanding native plant with striking bark that consistently colors well.