Carpinus betulus | European hornbeam

This tree has so many uses! It makes for a stately medium size 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.

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Betulaceae
Type: Deciduous Tree
Height: 40 to 60 ft.
Spread: 30 to 40 ft.
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Conditions: Medium
Bloom Time: March
Bloom Color: Yellow (male) and green (female)
Native Range: Western Asia and central, eastern, and southern Europe, including southern England