photo of Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus

European Hornbeam

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European Hornbeam is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a lovely, oval shape. Its smooth, gray bark has vertical grooves, giving the appearance of...

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Description:

European Hornbeam is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a lovely, oval shape. Its smooth, gray bark has vertical grooves, giving the appearance of rippling muscles along the trunk. It is monoecious (separate male and female flowers grow on the same tree). The small, greenish female and yellowish male flowers appear in March before the leaves emerge, followed by drooping clusters of small nutlets in the summer. The leaves turn yellow in the fall. Use European Hornbeam as a shade or street tree. It can also be used as a hedge or screen planting; it responds well to heavy pruning, which is best done from fall to mid-winter.

Plant Details:

Other Common Names: Common Hornbeam

Plant Type: Tree

New Jersey Native: No

Bloom Times: Spring

Bloom Colors: Yellow, Green

Deer Resistance: High

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: Piedmont - P, Highland - H, Coastal Plain - CP

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay

Soil Moisture: Dry

Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Full Sun

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry

Drought Tolerance: High

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 40 - 60 ft

Spread: 30 - 40 ft

Growth Rate: Slow-medium