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. cordata – This Japanese native grows in mountain woods, and grows to 50′ feet tall. It has scaly furrowed bark and a broadly columnar shape. The leaves are slightly heart shaped at the base with finely pointed tip and prominent veins. Yellowish catkins are borne in spring. The bracts that surround the fruit are closely overlapping.
Zones 5-9
