European Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Betulaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Fastigiata or Columnaris, though pruned into a spreading vase form
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with a dense, rounded to oval crown, smooth grey muscle-like bark, and an upright branching structure that becomes spreading and graceful at maturity.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple, ovate to oblong-ovate leaves, 2 to 5 inches long, featuring sharply serrated margins, prominent parallel veins, and a dark green summer color turning yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, gray, and muscular or fluted in appearance, tightly hugging the trunk, showing very little ridging even as the tree ages significantly.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Western Asia and Europe, widely adapted to temperate urban environments globally
Growing Season
Spring leafing out with bright green foliage, insignificant catkins in spring, summer canopy density, autumn golden-yellow color fading to brown, winter dormancy retaining some dried leaves
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate water needs once established, tolerant of temporary drought and various soil moisture conditions.
Mature Size
40 to 60 feet in height with a 30 to 40 feet spread, moderate growth rate, long-lived up to 150 years or more.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional urban tolerance, highly resistant to pests and diseases, excellent hedge and topiary potential, dense shade, and very hard, durable wood.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports various moth and butterfly larvae, provides nesting sites and cover for songbirds, and seeds are consumed by small mammals and birds.