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.