Hornbeam

Hornbeams are large attractive and long-lived deciduous trees, related to birch.

• Carpinus betulus

  The Common Hornbeam makes an excellent small tree, with attractive autumn leaf colours. It is also suitable for training and pleaching.

  • Height after 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • Leaf colour - autumn: Yellow
  • Awards: RHS AGM (current)
  Carpinus betulus

• Rockhampton Red®

  An excellent form of the common Hornbeam, notable for its fiery orange-red autumn foliage.

  • Height after 10 years: 3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • Leaf colour - autumn: Orange / Red
  Carpinus betulus

How to choose Hornbeam

Hornbeams are interesting trees, very well suited to the UK climate, and able to grow in almost any situation.

They feature attractive serrated leaves, and wind-pollinated catkins which produce winged seeds. Hornbeams are known for their very hard wood.

Hornbeams make excellent small trees, but they also respond well to pruning and training and can be used for topiary, hedging, and pleaching.