Carpinus
( kar - PYE - nus )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Hornbeam, this genus of deciduous trees has a variety of sun exposure needs and requires regular water for best performance. They will attract birds to your garden, and are long-lived shade trees that will grow at a slow to moderate rate. Leaves have sawtooth edges and are green, turning colors in cooler weather.
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Carpinus Species and Varietals
The genus Carpinus includes between 30 and 40 species and is a member of the plant family Betulaceae. Hornbeam growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam, Common Hornbeam) Native to Europe through to Iran, this dense, pyramid-shaped tree does best in zones 2-9 and 14-17. It can reach 40 feet tall and just as wide, with drooping outer branches and grey bark. Fall color is yellow and red. Best when grown in full sun but can tolerate light shade if necessary, and can be clipped into a hedge or screen if desired. This species is subject to scale infestation. |
Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam, Blue-Beech, Ironwood, Muscle-Wood, Muscle Beech) Best in zones 1-9 and 14-17 and native to eastern areas of North America, this species is rounded, with smooth blue-grey bark. Leaves are green, and turn reddish or yellow in fall. These trees can reach 25-30 feet tall and just as wide, with either a single trunk or multiple trunks. They can be grown in full sun to heavy shade. Variety 'Native Flame' has red fall foliage. |
Carpinus laxiflora (Aka-Shide, Loose-Flower Hornbeam) These trees are native to the Korean Peninsula and Japan, where they prefer to grow in forested mountain regions. They typically reach between 33 and 50 feet tall when mature, and are sometimes used as bonsai subjects or street trees. The straight species is somewhat rustic-looking, but there is a weeping-habit variety available under the name 'Pendula', as well as a variegated form: 'Variegata'. |
Carpinus orientalis (Oriental Hornbeam) This species of Hornbeam is native to Hungary, the Balkans, Italy, Crimea, Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus. These small trees rarely exceed 33 feet tall and are often seen as multi-trunked shrubby specimens. These trees have gained popularity as ornamentals in the past few years, and are commonly used as bonsai subjects. |
Carpinus turczaninovii (Turczaninow Hornbeam, Korean Hornbeam) These trees are native to China, the Korean Peninsula, and central to southern areas of Japan. This species forms a shrub or small tree that rarely exceeds 15 to 20 feet tall. These trees can take very hard prunings, and are fantastic subjects for bonsai projects. |
Caring for and pruning carpinus Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 223, Carpinus
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