Hornbeam (Carpinus Cordata)

Hornbeam

Features and Characteristics

Carpinus cordata, sometimes commonly called heartleaf hornbeam, is a slow-growing, densely-branched, deciduous tree with an attractive rounded form that is native to Japan, Korea and China. It typically grows 20-30’ tall by 12-15’ wide, but may reach 50’ tall in its native habitat. In cultivation, it is sometimes grown as a large shrub or screen. It is noted for its graceful form, large heart-shaped leaves, scaly fissured bark, large fruiting catkins and large winter buds. Doubly-serrate, heart-shaped, prominently-veined, dark green leaves to 5” long are attractive throughout the growing season. Foliage produces no appreciable fall color. Insignificant tiny greenish flowers appear in spring in separate male and female catkins, with the female catkins giving way to somewhat showy cigar shaped seed pods to 3-5” long. Bigleaf hornbeam is an additional common name sometime used for this tree.

Genus name comes from the classical Latin name.

Specific epithet is in reference to the heart-shaped leaf bases.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, organically rich soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun.

Hornbeam (Carpinus Cordata) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Part Shade To Full Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spots, cankers and twig blight are occasional disease problems.

Uses

An attractively shaped, low-maintenance understory tree for shady sites. Perhaps best grown in woodland gardens. May also be grown as a screen or large hedge.

Hornbeam (Carpinus Cordata) Details

Common name	Hornbeam
Botanical name	Carpinus Cordata
Plant type	Tree
Family	Betulaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Green
Flowering period	April
Height	20 - 30 Ft.
Width	12 - 15 Ft.