European Columnar Hornbeam

Botanical Name: Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’

Common Name: European Columnar Hornbeam

Mature Height and Width:
30–40' tall × 15–20' wide

Growth Habit: Narrow upright to broadly columnar when young, maturing to a dense oval to upright-oval form. Strong central leader with ascending branches that hold tight vertical structure. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Deciduous, medium to dark green ovate leaves with serrated margins and pronounced veining. Dense canopy in summer with layered branching. Leaves turn yellow to yellow-brown in fall and may persist into winter (marcescent).

Flower Description: Inconspicuous green catkins in spring; not ornamental.

Bloom Time: Mid-spring.

Fall Color: Yellow to yellow-brown; foliage often persists dried into winter.

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 4–8.

Notable Landscape Uses: Formal screening; driveway flanking; property line structure; allee planting; privacy hedge (when clipped); vertical architectural accent.

Deer Resistance: Moderate
Young plants may experience browsing in Northeast Zones 5–7.