Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris Nana'

(syn. C. betulus 'Monument')

European Hornbeam has so many uses! It makes for a stately landscape tree with a lovely oval to rounded form; it can be pollarded; it can be grown as a hedge. It is ridiculously easy to grow as it tolerates acidic soil, limey soil, full sun, full shade, dry soil, and moist soil. The steel grey bark remains attractive all winter long. Additionally, dried leaves are held on branches through winter, adding yet another interesting textural element. Catkins on male plants are a delight to pollinators in early spring. Leaves turn a lovely shade of yellow in fall. Native to Europe and Asia Minor.

'Columnaris Nana' possesses all the wonderful qualities of the straight species, but it grows to only 2-3 ft wide and 8-10 ft tall.

Zones: 4 to 8

Family: Betulaceae

Type: Deciduous Tree

Height: 6 to 10 ft.

Spread: 2 to 4 ft.

Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil Conditions: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

Bloom Time: March

Native Range: Western Asia and central, eastern, and southern Europe, including southern England