Hornbeam, European Hornbeam, Common Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus, also known as the European or Common Hornbeam, is a shade-loving tree native to Europe and western Asia.

Carpinus betulus - winner of the Award of Garden Merit in 2002, is closely related to the hop hornbeam, Ostrya carpinifolia.

Ideal for parkland settings, Carpinus betulus often grows in groups near oak trees and occasionally near beech trees. These trees are particularly well-suited for pleaching, a technique for forming hedges by interweaving branches between trees. For a ready-made pleached option, take a look at our Carpinus betulus pleached trees.

The common Hornbeam is a large tree with a characteristic grey-fluted trunk with ovate, ribbed and serrated leaves (catkins appear in late spring) that turn a lovely clear yellow in autumn.

Carpinus betulus is a native British tree that produces hard, fine-grained timber with many uses. Hornbeam timber has traditionally been used to produce mallets, skittles, and even the moving parts of pianos.

It grows well on most soils, including clay and chalk. It is a useful tree for poor planting conditions.

Why do some trees hold onto their dead leaves?

Mature height: 20m+

Common names

Hornbeam, European Hornbeam, Common Hornbeam

Height of tree

20m+

Soil type

Well drained, Clay, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Oval

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Native, Award

Looks good in

Summer, Autumn

Privacy

Screening above the fence

Location

Parkland, Avenue

Genus

Carpinus

Autumn Colour

Yes