Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam

Hornbeam

Grown as a Tree

A great tree for damp ground, Hornbeam make a good stately tree when mature, it will take the heavy ground that Beech dislikes and is a great grower in our wet climate. The wood is heavy and hard and is used for tools; it also burns hot and slowly, making it a very suitable tree for growing for firewood. Holds the RHS award of Garden Merit. Native to the UK.

Grown as Hedging

Not as widely planted as Beech, but that could change as people get to know this great hedge. Hornbeam can be kept small or left grow into a tall hedge and it often clipped into topiary. When clipped, it holds its straw coloured leaf throughout the Winter and even though it is deciduous, a densely planted hedge provides a year-round screen. Carpinus betulus will grow in any soil, it is wind hardy and is one of the few hedges that can be safely recommended for very damp sites.

Site: Tolerates inland exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil, will tolerate it very damp but not waterlogged
Position: Full sun, partial shade
Season of Interest: Good golden Autumn colour
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 80ft (25m) Spread: 65ft (20m)