European Hornbeam

Carpinus Betulus

Design with this plant

Overview

The European Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus, is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal to oval form, reaching 40-60 feet in height and 30-40 feet in width. Its leaves are sharply-toothed, with a notable pleated texture, turning vibrant yellow to greenish-gold in fall. It thrives in USDA zones 4-8, preferring well-drained soils and full to partial sun. Ideal for hedges or pleaching due to its dense foliage and ability to withstand heavy pruning.

Sun FullWater LowZones 5–7Climate Temperate

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal to oval form

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Low
USDA zones: 5–7

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Betulaceae
Climate: Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (84)

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — Its leaves are sharply-toothed; requiring minimal care once established, image 63

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — with a notable pleated texture; turning vibrant yellow to greenish-gold in fall, image 64

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — turning vibrant yellow to greenish-gold in fall; finely serrated leaves that are 2 to 5 inches in length, image 65

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — It thrives in USDA zones 4-8, preferring well-drained soils and full to partial sun; this species is also, image 66

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — Ideal for hedges or pleaching due to its dense foliage and ability to withstand heavy pruning; it thrives in, image 67

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — Mature specimens can reach up to 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 30 to 40 feet; boasting a lush, image 68

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — making this tree an ideal candidate for creating structured canopies or screening effects; tree for full, image 69

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — Its columnar to pyramidal growth habit offers a compact framework when young; ideal for hedges or pleaching, image 70

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — gradually rounding with age; these leaves turn a crisp yellow to orange in the fall, providing a delightful, image 71

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — finely serrated leaves that are 2 to 5 inches in length; is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal to oval form, image 72

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — boasting a lush green hue in the growing season; mature specimens can reach up to 60 to 80 feet in height, image 73

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — These leaves turn a crisp yellow to orange in the fall, providing a delightful autumnal display; fluted bark, image 74

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — fluted bark adds year-round textural interest.<br><br>Carpinus betulus is a hardy tree; reaching 40-60 feet, image 75

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — adaptable to a wide range of soil types; making this tree an ideal candidate for creating structured, image 76

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — It is also tolerant of urban pollution and soil compaction, making it suitable for urban environments, image 77

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — requiring minimal care once established; its leaves are sharply-toothed, image 78

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — This species is also resistant to most pests and diseases; its columnar to pyramidal growth habit offers a, image 79

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — tree for full; it is also tolerant of urban pollution and soil compaction, making it suitable for urban, image 80

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal to oval form; with a notable pleated texture, image 81

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — reaching 40-60 feet in height and 30-40 feet in width; gradually rounding with age, image 82

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — Its leaves are sharply-toothed; requiring minimal care once established, image 83

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — with a notable pleated texture; turning vibrant yellow to greenish-gold in fall, image 84

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — reaching 40-60 feet in height and 30-40 feet in width; gradually rounding with age, image 42

European Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) — Its leaves are sharply-toothed; requiring minimal care once established, image 43

Related plants

European White Birch (Betula Pendula) — The European White Birch (Betula pendula) ‚Äì a graceful deciduous tree

European White Birch

Betula Pendula

Full · Zones 3–9

Eastern Hop Hornbean (Ostrya Virginiana) — Eastern Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), a durable native understory tree, grows 20-40 ft

Eastern Hop Hornbean

Ostrya Virginiana

Full · Zones 2–7

White Alder (Alnus Rhombifolia) — The White Alder (Alnus rhombifolia) is a deciduous tree reaching up to 50-80 ft

White Alder

Alnus Rhombifolia

Full · Zones 8–10

Winter Hazel (Corylopsis Spicata) — commonly known as Winter Hazel

Winter Hazel

Corylopsis Spicata

Full · Zones 5–8

Hazel Alder (Alnus Serrulata) — The Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata)

Hazel Alder

Alnus Serrulata

Full · Zones 5–9

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Twist (Corylus Avellana 'Contorta') — Corylus avellana 'Contorta,' popularly known as Harry Lauder's Walking Stick

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Twist

Corylus Avellana 'Contorta'

Full · Zones 4–10