Hornbeam Tree - Carpinus betulus

The Hornbeam Tree (Carpinus betulus) is a hardy and deciduous tree native to Europe. It is a beloved tree with distinctive, gray bark that is lightly ridged and smooth.

Plant Details - Hornbeam Tree

Family: Betulaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 40 – 60 ft.

Spread: 40 – 60 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Hornbeam Tree

The Hornbeam Tree is a hardy and beautiful deciduous oval shaped tree that will make a great visual impact in your yard or landscape.

This tree can be planted in an area with full sun or partial shade. This is an excellent option for planting as an ornamental accent or focal point. Create a windbreak or living privacy hedge with this tree.

Plant this tree in moist and well draining soil. It can handle different soil conditions, including loamy or sandy soils.  It will tolerate alkaline or dry soils.

Water this tree regularly until it is well established. You should water this tree during the heat of summer when drought occurs.

Its dark green, deeply veined, and doubly serrated leaves will turn a beautiful shade of yellow in the fall. This tree will create plenty of shade as it grows that is suitable for growing a shade garden underneath.

This tree produces two kinds of catkins that will emerge in early spring. Male catkins are yellow. Female catkins are green and turn into papery samaras. This tree produces small brown nuts that birds and small mammals will enjoy eating.

This tree does not have any major disease problems.

You can add mulch or compost around the base of the tree, but be sure to give plenty of space to keep the trunk dry.

Watch this tree for signs of stress and cut off any damaged or diseased branches.

Deer resistant. Protect it while it is young and vulnerable to browsing damage.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hornbeam Tree will attract lots of wildlife to your yard or landscape. Birds will use its branches to make their nests.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Hornbeam trees thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. They should be pruned in late winter to preserve form and release dead or diseased branches. It is recommended that they be fertilized annually in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

Plant Reproduction

Hornbeam tree spreads via seeds and suckers, forming dense clusters

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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