European Hornbeam Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'
ABOUT
The Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the European or common hornbeam, is a striking tree with a columnar or upright growth habit that is often used in landscaping for its formal and neat appearance. Its foliage consists of deciduous leaves that are bright green, with a distinctly ribbed texture and serrated edges. The leaves turn to a beautiful array of yellows and golds, bringing a burst of autumnal color before they drop. The common hornbeam's bark is smooth and gray, providing a stark contrast with the foliage. This feature also makes the tree visually appealing in winter months when the branches are bare. The branches grow densely and in a symmetrical pattern, enhancing the tree's upright form. During spring, the common hornbeam produces modest catkins, which are male and female flowers that are not particularly showy, but add a delicate texture to the springtime display. Following the flowering period, small fruit, known as samaras, develop. These winged seeds are not large, but they do contribute a subtle ornamental value as they hang from the branches. Overall, the common hornbeam 'Fastigiata' is well-regarded for its stately form, attractive foliage, and relatively low-maintenance nature, making it a beloved choice for gardeners and landscape designers seeking a dependable and visually pleasing tree that contributes elegant vertical lines to garden compositions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Betulaceae.
Synonyms
European Hornbeam, Common Hornbeam, Upright European Hornbeam, Fastigiate European Hornbeam, Columnar European Hornbeam.
Common names
Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'.
ToxicityTo humans
The European hornbeam is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant, and it is not commonly known to have adverse effects if consumed in small quantities.
To pets
The European hornbeam is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally regarded as safe, and there are no significant reports of pets being poisoned by consuming parts of this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea due to the physical nature of the plant material rather than chemical toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
35 feet (10.67 meters)
Spread
25 feet (7.62 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The European hornbeam 'Fastigiata' offers year-round visual interest with its columnar shape, attractive green foliage, and golden autumn colors.
- Durability: This plant is known for its hardiness and can withstand harsh environmental conditions including urban pollution.
- Shade Provider: With its dense foliage, the European hornbeam 'Fastigiata' creates ample shade, making it a good choice for parks and gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat: Birds may nest in its branches, and its seeds provide food for some wildlife species.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it suitable for those who prefer low-maintenance landscaping.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its upright, dense growth habit, it is an excellent choice for creating natural privacy screens or hedges.
- Soil Stabilization: The root system helps to prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Adaptability: Adapts well to different soil types and pH levels, which makes it versatile for various landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a strong vertical element in the garden, creating interest in winter when other plants may have died back.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: Carpinus betulus wood is hard and dense, making it excellent for creating fine furniture, intricate carvings, and musical instruments.
- Tool Handles: The wood's durability and shock resistance are ideal for manufacturing tough tool handles for hammers and axes.
- Veneer Production: The attractive wood grain is used to produce decorative veneers for paneling and cabinetry.
- Windbreaks: The 'Fastigiata' cultivar, with its tall and narrow growth habit, is suitable for use in windbreaks to protect crops and buildings.
- Privacy Hedges: Due to its dense foliage, this plant is often used to create privacy hedges in landscaping.
- Food for Wildlife: The seeds are a source of food for birds and small mammals during the autumn and winter months.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its extensive root system can help stabilize the soil, making it useful for controlling erosion on slopes.
- Wood Engraving: The fine-grained wood is a good material for detailed wood engraving and printmaking.
- Traditional Dyes: Historically, the tannins from the bark and leaves were used to create natural dyes for textiles.
- Charcoal Production: The wood can be carbonized to produce high-quality charcoal for artists and for use in gunpowder production historically.
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 'Fastigiata', commonly known as European Hornbeam, symbolizes resilience due to its ability to withstand strong winds and to adapt to various soil conditions.
- Strength: The wood of the European Hornbeam is known for its hardness and toughness, making it a symbol of strength and endurance.
- Stability: Its strong root system and sturdy trunk provide a sense of stability and support, commonly associated with steadfastness in life's challenges.
- Longevity: With its potential to live for hundreds of years, the European Hornbeam represents longevity and timelessness.
- Flexibility: Despite its hard wood, Hornbeam is quite flexible, symbolizing the ability to bend without breaking when faced with adversity.
WaterThe European Hornbeam, known as Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', should be watered deeply and slowly to ensure the water reaches the roots. In the absence of rainfall, watering should occur once a week, providing approximately 15 to 20 gallons for young trees, increasing the amount for established trees. During dry spells or extreme heat, it may require additional water, but be cautious of over-watering as this can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and that it is moist but not saturated. During the winter months, when the tree is dormant, less frequent watering is required.
LightThe European Hornbeam thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's best positioned in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate shade, too much shade can lead to sparse foliage and a less robust form.
TemperatureThe European Hornbeam is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range. It can survive winter lows down to around -20°F and is suited for planting in USDA zones 4 through 8. The ideal growing temperatures for the European Hornbeam are between 60°F and 80°F during its active growth season.
PruningPruning the European Hornbeam should be done to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and promote healthy growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is typically done annually or as needed to maintain its 'Fastigiata' form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEuropean Hornbeam 'Fastigiata' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 4.0 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix can be prepared by blending garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand to improve drainage. Regularly adding organic matter will help maintain soil fertility and structure.
RepottingThe European Hornbeam 'Fastigiata' being a large tree, is not typically repotted. Instead, it should be planted in a location where it can grow without needing to be moved. Young trees can be transplanted in autumn if necessary.
Humidity & MistingEuropean Hornbeam 'Fastigiata' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and typically adapts well to the prevailing outdoor conditions in its growing region.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growing; European Hornbeam needs outdoor space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleCarpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the European Hornbeam 'Fastigiata', begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding suitable soil and environmental conditions, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. The seedling then develops into a young sapling, undergoing rapid growth and establishing a robust root system. As it matures, the sapling grows into an adult tree, developing a characteristic narrow, columnar shape with dense foliage and smooth, gray bark. The adult hornbeam produces catkins, which are wind-pollinated flowers; following pollination, the tree produces small nut-like fruits encased in bract-like structures that facilitate wind-dispersal. Over many years, the hornbeam reaches reproductive maturity, continuing to produce seeds and contributing to the propagation of the species. It can live for several decades, or even centuries, going through cycles of growth, reproduction, and senescence, before eventually dying and decomposing, returning nutrients back to the soil.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the European hornbeam 'Fastigiata', is most commonly propagated by seed or by grafting. The most popular method of propagation is through seed, which is collected when ripe in the fall. Once collected, the seeds must undergo stratification, which involves mimicking winter conditions by chilling them in a refrigerator at around 34 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 degrees Celsius) for approximately 90-120 days. After stratification, the seeds are sown in the spring in a well-drained seedbed and covered lightly with soil. Seedlings can then be grown on in pots or in the ground until they are large enough to be planted in their final location.
