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Carpinus betulus

European Hornbeam

They have a pyramidal growth habit when young, maturing to oval. The green foliage turns yellow to orange, showcased against the smooth, steel-gray bark sporting distinctive fluting.

  • »  Pyramidal to oval-rounded, growth habit
  • »  Ovate, sharp-toothed, dark green leaves
  • »  Foliage turns an undistinguished yellow to orange in the fall
  • »  Attractive, yellow or green catkins appear in early spring
  • »  Smooth, gray bark has distinctive, muscle-like fluting
  • »  Bloom Time: April

10gal
$255.00
15gal Low Inventory
$294.00
  • Category:Trees
  • Hardiness Zone:4
  • Height:16-18 m
  • Spread:9-12 m
  • Bloom Color: Yellow
Exposure
• Full Sun
• Partial Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Average
• Average to Dry Soils
• Well-drained
Growth Rate
• Medium
Attributes
• Catkins
• Deciduous
• Fall Color
Flowering Time
• Spring
Habit
• Oval
• Pyramidal
Foliage Color
• Green
• Orange
• Yellow
Landscape uses
• Hedge
• Specimen
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Carpinus betulus

Betulus is the genus name for birch, in reference to the birch-like characteristics of this species. As the common name suggests, the extremely hard wood of this tree will take a horn-like polish, and was once used in Europe to make yokes for oxen (the beam between the oxen's horns).

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Carpinus betulus

This tree, if limbed-up, provides excellent, dense shade for lawns and parks, or can be pruned in late summer, into a hedge.