Botanical Name:

Carpinus betulus

Common Name:

European hornbeam, common hornbeam

Family Name:

Betulaceae - birch family

General Description:

Carpinus betulus is an intermediate to large tree with exceedingly strong, heavy wood that Europeans once used for a variety of purposes. Its densely branched, broad pyramidal habit lends a formality to the landscape. It is native to Asia and Europe where it is frequently pruned into formal hedges. In the ornamental landscape European hornbeam grows best in full sun or part shade in average, well-drained soils. In the Chicago area it is typically used on large-scale sites; however, with proper selection, there is an abundance of cultivars that could easily be used in the residential landscape. In fact, the straight species is rarely used, with Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ the most popular and frequently used selection.

Zone:

(4)5 - 7

Resources Consulted:

Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign: Stipes, 2009. Print.

Creator:

Julia Fitzpatrick-Cooper, Professor, College of DuPage

Creation Date:

2014

Keywords/Tags:

Betulaceae, Carpinus betulus, European hornbeam, common hornbeam, deciduous, tree

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