Description
Carpinus – Hornbeam –
There are about 40 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, in this genus. They occur in woodland in cool climates areas of the Northern Hemisphere. They have alternate, prominently veined, smooth or toothed edged leaves and, in spring bear unisexual flowers in catkins, both male and female catkins are borne on the same plant. Hornbeams are grown for their elegant habit, ornamental foliage, autumn color, and pendent leafy bracted racemes of fruit. They are attractive specimen trees for a park or woodland, and are excellent for hedging.
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Prone to powdery mildew, cankers, dieback, and wood-rotting fungi.
C. betulus ‘Pendula’ – Common Hornbeam – European Hornbeam – This mound forming habit, with pendent branches, atop of a grafted standard, tree grows 8′ feet tall and 12′ feet wide. It has flutted, smooth pale gray bark. It produces ovate, prominently veined and unequally toothed, mid green leaves 3-5″ long, turning yellow to orange in autumn. In spring it bears yellow male catkins, to 1 1/4″ long and greenish female catkins, to 5″ long. Female catkins are followed by racemes, 1 1/4-2 ½” long, of green fruit with prominent, 3 lobed bracts, maturing to yellow-brown.
Zones 5-9
