European Hornbeam

(Carpinus betulus)

European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as European Hornbeam or Common Hornbeam, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including broadleaf forests, forest edges, and riverbanks in Western Asia and Europe extending to southern England. It can grow to a height of 40-60 feet and a width of 30-40 feet. It is adaptable to a range of temperatures and is found up to elevations of 1,000 meters (3,281 ft). The European Hornbeam often grows in mixed stands with oak and beech, particularly in regions with calcareous soils.

The European Hornbeam is valued for its dense, fine-grained wood and its ability to withstand heavy pruning, making it an excellent choice for hedging and topiary. It features a smooth, gray, fluted trunk and a well-structured canopy. The leaves are bright green, turning yellow and orange in the fall, adding seasonal interest. It produces catkins in late spring, which are not particularly showy, followed by small nutlets. In cultivation, it is versatile, tolerating full sun to part shade and a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is resistant to many pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to hornbeam mosaic virus and coral spot fungus.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 40-60 feet
  • Width: 30-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Broadleaf forests, forest edges, and riverbanks in Western Asia and central, eastern, and southern Europe, including southern England

Other Names

Common Names: Common Hornbeam, Avnbøg, Hainbuche, Euroopanvalkopyökki, Charme Commun, Charme, Carpino Bianco, Agnbøk, Haagbeuk, Avenbok

Scientific Names: , Carpinus betulus, Carpinus betulus f. fastigiata, Carpinus betulus var. fastigiata, Carpinus betulus f. pendula, Carpinus betulus var. pendula, Carpinus caucasica, Carpinus betulus var. incisa, Carpinus betulus subsp. carpinizza, Carpinus betulus var. quercifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Carpinus betulus L.