Tree Categories: Fall Color Trees, Ornamental Trees, and Shade Trees
Mature Tree Height: 20-40 feet tall | Mature Tree Width: 20-30 feet wide
Tree Growing Zones: Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, and Zone 8
The Columnar European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’) is a medium-sized, columnar tree. Its upright, dense, narrow crown has no central leader (main trunk) but instead spreads out into a very densely-branched oval shaped form. It has sharp green foliage that is sharply toothed with pointed tips and that turns to a pleasant yellow in the fall. Its smooth, gray bark has distinctive fluting patterns that hide the very strong wood beneath it.
The Columnar European Hornbeam is a very old cultivar and was introduced earlier in the 19th century. It is the most popular Hornbeam cultivar. This tree’s rigid columnar form has made it traditionally used for windscreens or hedges when planted in groups. It can also be a great choice for a street tree or near a parking lot or driveway due to its upright form and attractive appearance. It grows well in full to partial sun and can tolerate a variety of soil types.
