Pyramidal European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’)
‘Fastigiata’, sometimes called Upright European hornbeam, displays a narrow, fastigiate form in youth, but gradually acquires a tear drop or oval-vase shape with age, typically maturing to 40’ tall and 30’ wide. It is much more common in commerce than the species. Ovate, toothed, bright medium green leaves (to 4” long) are clean and attractive throughout the growing season with little susceptibility to foliar diseases. Foliage turns yellow-orange in fall. Trunks have smooth gray bark and distinctive muscle-like fluting.
Mature Height: 30′-40′
Mature Spread: 20′-30′
Zone: 4
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Moist, deep, well drained soils, but is tolerant of adverse conditions
Nurseryman’s Notes: Easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Needs little pruning when grown as a tree, but responds well to hard pruning if grown as a hedge. Best pruned during the period of late summer to mid-winter to avoid significant bleeding. Great shade tree for lawns, street tree or pruned as a hedge. Can be used as a more formal tree for English Gardens.
Charlotte Creek Nursery 