European Hornbeam Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris'
ABOUT
Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris', commonly known as the Columnar European Hornbeam, is an attractive deciduous tree known for its formal, upright, and narrow shape which resembles a column. The leaves of this tree are small to medium in size, with a distinctly ribbed texture and a serrated edge. In the spring and summer, the foliage is a lush green, providing a dense canopy. As the seasons change, the leaves showcase a beautiful array of autumn colors, typically turning shades of yellow, orange, and sometimes a russet brown before falling off in the winter. The bark of the Columnar European Hornbeam is smooth, featuring a gray color that can have a slightly fluted appearance, adding to its visual interest throughout the year. The tree is also appreciated for its hardiness and is often used in landscapes for creating hedges or screens due to its ability to be pruned and maintain a particular form. During the spring, this tree produces inconspicuous flowers followed by small fruit that is not particularly ornamental but is a part of the tree's life cycle. The overall shape and appearance of the Columnar European Hornbeam make it a popular choice for creating a structured and elegant look in a garden or as a street tree where its form can be appreciated without taking up significant horizontal space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Betulaceae.
Synonyms
European Hornbeam, Common Hornbeam, Columnar European Hornbeam, Columnar Hornbeam, Fastigiate Hornbeam.
Common names
Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris'.
ToxicityTo humans
The European hornbeam, or Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence suggesting that the ingestion of any part of this tree causes poisoning or adverse health effects in humans. As with any plant material, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's recommended to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for consumption.
To pets
The European hornbeam is not recognized as being toxic to pets. It does not contain any known toxic substances that would cause poisoning if pets ingest the leaves, bark, or seeds. However, as with humans, the general advice is to prevent pets from consuming plant material that is not meant for their diet to avoid potential gastrointestinal discomfort or other non-toxic related issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
35 feet (10.7 meters)
Spread
25 feet (7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Privacy Screen: The dense, narrow form of the European Hornbeam 'Columnaris' makes it an effective natural privacy screen.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This cultivar adds structure and elegance to landscapes with its upright, columnar growth habit.
- Shade Provider: Its canopy offers shade in garden settings, making it useful for creating comfortable outdoor living spaces.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: The leaves offer a range of colors through the seasons, from green in spring and summer to yellow in the fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance for periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, saving time and effort in garden upkeep.
- Urban Tolerant: Withstands urban conditions including pollution and confined soil spaces, making it ideal for city environments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris', commonly known as European Hornbeam, can be used as a sound barrier due to its dense foliage, which helps to deflect and absorb noise pollution.
- The wood of European Hornbeam is tough and durable, making it suitable for crafting musical instruments such as woodwind keys and piano actions.
- The tightly-packed, columnar shape of the European Hornbeam makes it an excellent natural privacy screen for residential and commercial landscapes.
- The dense wood of this tree is used to manufacture wooden cogs and gears for traditional windmills and watermills due to its wear resistance.
- Avenue planting is a common use for European Hornbeam, as its uniform growth and columnar habit provide a visually appealing framework for streetscapes.
- The European Hornbeam's wood has historically been used for yokes and ploughs in farming, owing to its ability to withstand heavy use and shock.
- Due to its strong wood, the European Hornbeam is an ideal choice for creating durable flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas.
- The compact growth habit can be harnessed in topiary art, where the European Hornbeam's branches and leaves can be sculpted into various ornamental shapes.
- European Hornbeam is also used in the practice of bonsai, where its small leaves and adaptable nature make it a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts.
- Owing to its resilience and attractive bark, the wood of this tree is often used in the creation of outdoor furniture, which needs to withstand the elements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe European hornbeam is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe European hornbeam is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris', commonly known as columnar European hornbeam, is a robust and sturdy tree symbolizing strength and endurance due to its hard wood and ability to withstand strong winds and harsh conditions.
- Flexibility: Despite its strength, the wood of the columnar European hornbeam is also quite flexible, which makes it a symbol for adaptability and the capacity to bend without breaking in challenging situations.
- Longevity: With its potential to live for centuries, columnar European hornbeam represents longevity and timelessness, thus being linked to continuity and permanence.
- Education and Knowledge: As hornbeams have historically been associated with learning - often planted in the landscape of educational institutions - the columnar European hornbeam symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
WaterThe European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris') should be watered deeply, allowing the soil around to be moist but not saturated. Young trees require more frequent watering, about once a week, whereas established trees need less frequent watering, depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, approximately 1-2 gallons per week per inch of trunk diameter measured at knee-height is sufficient. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the water to 2-3 gallons on the same schedule. During the fall and dormant winter months, reduce watering significantly to match the tree's reduced water needs.
LightThe European Hornbeam thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Optimal light conditions include placing it in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day, though this adaptable tree can also handle dappled light throughout the day.
TemperatureThe European Hornbeam is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -20 to -30°F and summer temperatures well above 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this tree is between 60°F and 80°F, which promotes healthy growth.
PruningPruning the European Hornbeam is necessary to maintain its shape, remove any damaged or diseased branches, and encourage strong structure. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the tree breaks dormancy. Prune annually or as needed to remove any crossing or inward-growing branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEuropean Hornbeam prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A loamy soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, will provide the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.
RepottingEuropean Hornbeam is typically not a potted plant and does not require frequent repotting. It is usually planted outdoors and can grow for many years without being moved.
Humidity & MistingEuropean Hornbeam tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and adapts well to the outdoor environment where humidity is not controlled.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth, requires outdoor space.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny to partial shade spot.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe European hornbeam 'Columnaris' begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring after a period of cold stratification that breaks seed dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops a taproot and begins to grow its first leaves, entering the juvenile phase where it grows rapidly under ideal conditions of sunlight, soil, and water. As it matures, the tree enters the vegetative stage, characterized by the expansion of its distinctive columnar canopy and the development of a strong woody trunk. After reaching maturity, which can take several years, it begins the reproductive phase, producing catkins that are wind-pollinated, resulting in the production of small nuts enclosed in a leafy bract. Once fertilization occurs, the nuts develop and, upon falling to the ground, can give rise to new plants if conditions are favorable. Throughout its life, which can span several decades, the European hornbeam 'Columnaris' may experience cycles of growth and dormancy, typically marked by leaf-out in spring and leaf fall in autumn.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris', commonly known as the Columnar European Hornbeam, can be propagated through seed or by grafting, however, grafting is the more popular method for this cultivar to maintain its distinct shape and characteristics. The best time for grafting is late winter to early spring, just before the growth season begins. A scion, which is a young shoot with buds, is taken from a healthy Columnar European Hornbeam and joined onto the rootstock of a common hornbeam. The cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock are matched and bound together, allowing the tissues to fuse as the plant grows. This process requires a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse, to prevent the scion from drying out and to ensure the graft union heals properly.
