Carpinus betulus | Common Hornbeam

The Carpinus betulus is a large, deciduous, native tree that tolerates considerable exposure to the elements and thrives in poor conditions. Lime-green, oval leaves with pointed tips and finely toothed edges that darken through summer then turn golden-yellow in autumn. This hardy tree is versatile, suitable for hedging and, when pleached, is great for screening. If you're looking for a creative opportunity, the Carpinus betulus can be trained and pruned into interesting shapes, for example: beehives, archways and umbrellas for an impressive statement in any urban or rural location. As a hedgerow this tree holds dry, brown leaves during winter, often until new leaves appear in spring, making it an efficient screen and ideal habitat for wildlife.

Mature Height

15-20m+

Tree Features

Lime-green, oval leaves with pointed tips and finely toothed edges, leaves darken through summer then turn golden-yellow in autumn.

As a regularly pruned hedge this tree will often hold on to dry, brown leaves during winter.

Has male and female catkins. Female catkins form papery green-winged fruit samaras.

Smooth, grey bark that becomes fluted with age.

Growing Conditions

Will thrive in all soil conditions including clay and chalk, and will tolerate short periods of water-logging.

Happy in full sun and shady areas.

Season of Interest

Spring - New, flush of lime-green leaves.

Autumn - Leaves turn golden-yellow.

Winter - Dense branch structure and retention of dry, brown leaves through winter makes this tree ideal for screening.

Tree Type

Standard, Feathered, Multistem, Pleached, Box Head, Rooftop, Hedging, Topiary, Umbrella

Growing Locations

Gardens, Parklands, Street Planting, City/Towns, Woodlands, Screening, Avenues, Hedging

Evergreen / Deciduous?

Deciduous
Did you know?

The Carpinus betulus, or common hornbeam, is so named due to the hardiness of its timber. 'Horn' means hard, and 'beam' is the old English word for a tree.