European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus

A dense, medium-to-large tree with serrated leaves and smooth gray fluted bark; tolerates shearing well, so commonly used for formal hedges and screens.

Sun
full sun to part shade
Water
moderate
Mature size
40-60 ft (much less when sheared) × 30-40 ft
Bloom
Inconspicuous catkins in spring.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–8

Care guide

Quick ID

Dense medium-large tree (*Carpinus betulus*). Serrated leaves, smooth gray fluted bark; shears well for hedging.

Sun & Site

Full sun to part shade; adaptable, well-drained soil; tolerates clay.

Pruning & Shaping

Tolerates hard shearing. Shear formal hedges in summer (touch up in late winter). As a specimen tree, prune in winter.

In my garden

north of driveway3 plants
SunFull sun
Soilsandy loam, fast percolation
Water sourceCulinary
Hardiness hereZone 7
3
Plants
What I've done here
  • 2026-05-27Hedge May shearing
  • 2026-04-16Mulched
  • 2026-04-14Hedge pleached (Mar 28–Apr 14; S2 + SW5)
  • 2026-04-09Pre-emergent applied
  • 2026-04-05Bottom 3' of trunks trimmed