Species

Carpinus betulusEuropean Hornbeam

3 other cultivars

tree

Lucas European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus 'Lucas'

$104.06

The Story

Plant Bio

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as European hornbeam, is a tough deciduous tree native to Europe and Western Asia, valued for its dense foliage and smooth gray bark. It produces drooping yellowish-green catkins in spring followed by winged seed clusters, adapting readily to varied soil conditions.

'Lucas' forms a compact, narrowly oval crown reaching thirty to forty feet tall at maturity. Its tidy upright habit and rich yellow fall foliage make it well suited for narrow urban avenues, formal hedges, and pleached screening.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a neat, columnar silhouette with rich yellow fall color and structured winter branching.

Forms an effective formal screen or windbreak that handles urban pollution and heavy shearing.

Offers nesting habitat and cover for songbirds, while small mammals consume the seeds.

SpeciesCarpinus betulusEuropean Hornbeam

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

433"

Width

177"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$104.06

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with fertile, moisture-retentive soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal to its depth.
Position the root collar level with the soil surface and backfill, firming gently.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain regular soil moisture during the first growing season.

Pro Tip

Prune in late winter while dormant to shape the canopy, taking care never to cut hard into old wood lacking visible dormant buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells until the root system is fully established.
Prune during late winter while the tree is dormant to maintain its structural form.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood without dormant buds.
Do not allow young, establishing trees to dry out completely in summer.
Do not plant in permanently waterlogged or poorly drained sites.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeScreeningStreet TreeSpecimen TreeFormal Garden

Companion Plants

Buxus sempervirens Heuchera Hydrangea paniculata Fagus sylvatica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lucas European Hornbeam questions

What zones can Lucas European Hornbeam grow in?

Lucas European Hornbeam is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lucas European Hornbeam deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Lucas European Hornbeam, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Lucas European Hornbeam bloom?

Lucas European Hornbeam typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lucas European Hornbeam need full sun?

Lucas European Hornbeam does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Lucas European Hornbeam drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lucas European Hornbeam handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.