CARPINUS BETULUS

CARPINUS BETULUS
Grower Notes:

Carpinus betulus is commonly referred to as European Hornbeam. This medium, broadleaf, deciduous tree has a pyramidal habit in youth and becomes more oval as it matures. Showy, ovate, sharply-toothed, dark green leaves stay clean and remain attractive throughout through summer, turning yellow in fall. In late summer and fall, small nutlet fruits form and appear in drooping 5" long clusters. The bark is smooth and greenish-grey with distinctive muscle-like fluting.

European Hornbeam thrives in full sun, but can tolerate light shade. It enjoys rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. It is ideal for tall hedges and topiary. It was the classic tree used in French formal gardens, as in the Gardens of Versailles.