Tree Categories: Fall Color Trees and Ornamental Trees
Mature Tree Height: 20-40 feet tall | Mature Tree Width: 10-20 feet wide
Tree Growing Zones: Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, and Zone 8
The Frans Fontaine Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’) is a medium-sized columnar tree, the narrowest of Hornbeam cultivars. Its slim form is made up of a strong leader with extremely upright and dense branching habits. The woodsy green leaves are serrated and have a crispy texture. In the fall, the foliage turns gold and yellow before falling to the ground and revealing its smooth, gray and fluted bark, providing interest in the landscape during the winter months.
The Frans Fontaine Hornbeam was selected in Eindhoven, Netherlands and came to the United States in 1993. It is very popular as a street tree due to its columnar form, very upright branches and resistance to urban pollution. It differs from the ‘Fastigiate’ cultivar in that it retains its narrow form into maturity. This tree can also be used as hedges. Does well in full sun or partial sun and can withstand most soil conditions but should not be allowed to dry out.
