Common Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus (kar-PINE-us BET-yoo-lus)

Family: Betulaceae Non-native Canopy (>40 ft)

European hornbeam or common hornbeam is a medium-sized ornamental deciduous tree in the Betulaceae (beech) family. The genus name, Carpinus, is Latin for "hornbeam." The species name, betulus , is Latin and means "birch or birch-like." The common name, European Hornbeam, is derived from "horn," meaning hard, "beam," meaning tree in Old English, and European signifying its place of origin. It is popular as a shade tree for lawns or as an urban street tree and it grows quickly to 40 to 60 feet in height and 40 feet wide. The dense dark green leaves of summer, bright yellow leaves of fall, and smooth gray bark add beauty to the landscape year-round. This species has many cultivars that vary in habit or form. This species prefers moist, well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil in full sun or partial shade. Their habit may be rounded, vase-shaped, or pyramidal. The branches may droop as the tree grows and require pruning. Heavy pruning is tolerated if the tree is to be used as a hedge. Propagation from seeds and stem cuttings has been reported as difficult. Grafting is perhaps the best option. This tree is not widely available commercially. The American hornbeam is available, but it is a smaller tree. The leaves are dark green, ovate, and doubly serrated. The flowers are male and female catkins that appear in April and May before the foliage appears. The male catkins are 1.5 inches long and yellow. The female catkins are 3 inches long and green. It is pollinated by the wind. The fruit is a small hard brown nutlet with 3-lobed bracts and appears from September to October. European hornbeam attracts small birds, and mammals serving as a source of food, shelter, nesting, and roosting. It also supports moth larvae making it an excellent addition to a pollinator or nighttime garden. This specimen is attractive and well-suited to urban conditions as an ornamental shade tree, street tree, or hedge. European hornbeam would be a welcome addition to any home lawn or recreational area. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems are known. Fungi may cause Leaf spots. Gray Squirrels may strip bark from the tree. VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I: Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II: Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 67 attributes.