The densely branched Pyramidal European Hornbeam hedge is columnar when young and grows into its stately namesake shape as it ages, up to 80 feet tall where it is native in Europe and Central Asia. The tree has a distinctive fluted gray bark and sharply-toothed dark green foliage that turns yellow-orange in autumn. Planted in groups, it works perfectly as a screen or windbreak and can work equally well as a formal hedge with hard pruning. It’s best pruned during the late summer to mid-winter period, when significant bleeding can be avoided. In Europe, it is a popular tree for pleaching, a kind of large-scale topiary gardening where trees are grown together in a natural form of interwoven grafting. This became a common gardening practice in the medieval era, when the tree was celebrated for its shade-producing qualities. In fact the hornbeam has been in cultivation for such a long time there is no noted date of introduction.
Quick Guide
Carpinus BETULUS Details
However, Carpinus Betulus hedge was introduced to North America sometime during the colonial era. The common ‘hornbeam’ name is due to the tree’s extremely hard wood, which will take on a horn-like smooth polish, and was once widely used in Europe to make oxen yokes, the wide beam between the animal’s horns.
| Deer Resistance: | YES |
| Your Hardiness Zone: |
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| Sunset Heat Zones: | 2 - 9 and 14 - 17 |
| USDA Hardiness Zones: | 4 - 8 |
| Watering Requirements: | Weekly, or possibly more often in containers or extreme heat |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Mature Size: | Up to 12’ height and 4’ width |
| Sun/Shade: | Full Sun |
| Drought Tolerance: | Yes |
| Pest/Disease Issues: | |
| No serious insect or disease problems. Resistant to verticillium. Susceptible to scales and root rot. | |
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