SelecTree: Tree Detail
EUROPEAN HORNBEAM
Carpinus betulus
Photo Locations: Seattle, WA, Stanford University - Palo Alto, CA, Dallas Arboretum - Dallas, TX, San Luis Obispo, CA, Strybing Arboretum - San Francisco, CA, The National Arboretum - Washington, DC and Arnold Arboretum - Boston, MA and Strybing Arboretum - San Francisco, CA
General Notes
Not recommended for Southern California or desert areas.
Native to Europe to Iran.
Family: Betulaceae
Tree Characteristics
Erect with a Low Canopy.
Conical Shape.
Has Deciduous foliage.
Height: 35 - 40 feet.
Width: 20 - 30 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 to 24 Inches per Year.
Longevity 50 to 150 years.
Leaves Ovate, Dark Green, Red, Gold or Multicolored, Deciduous.
Flowers Inconspicuous. Flowers in Spring. Has separate male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious).
Brown Winged Seed, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Winter or Summer.
Bark Light Green or Light Gray, Furrowed, Ridged or Smooth.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense out of Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 2 - 9 and 14 - 17.
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 8.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Moist Soil.
Clay or Loam Texture.
Highly Acidic to Neutral Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Moderate on Coast.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.
Pests & Disease Information
Resistant to Verticillium. Susceptible to Scales, Armillaria and Root Rot.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Strong.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
None Known Health Hazard.
Attracts Birds.
Special Uses & Values
Screen.
Hedged or Pleached.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Carpinus betulus Tree Record." 1995-2019. May 26, 2019.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/carpinus-betulus >
SelecTree Nursery Connection Map
Cal Poly / ESRI