Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'

Sunset

Zones 2-9, 14-17, 31-41

Full, Partial

Moderate

European Hornbeam
Betulaceae
Deciduous, Trees

CARPINUS

Well-behaved, relatively small shade trees. Long life and good habits as street trees. Slow to moderate growth rate. Very hard, tough, heavy wood. Dark green, sawtooth-edged leaves color up in cold-winter climates, hang on late in season. Fruits (small, hard nutlets in leaflike bracts) are carried in attractive drooping clusters to 5 in. long. Mature trees need little or no pruning.

Carpinus betulus

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Carpinus betulus

Native Europe to Iran. Dense, pyramidal tree to 40 ft. high and eventually as broad as tall, with drooping outer branches. Purple or yellow fall color.

'Fastigiata'

Native from Europe to Iran. This is the variety commonly sold when you buy European hornbeam; and despite its name ('Fastigiata' implies very upright growth), it develops an oval-vase shape with age. Grows about 40 ft. tall. Yellow or purple fall color.