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Pyramidal European Hornbeam

Name: Pyramidal European Hornbeam
Brand: Carpinus
Availability: InStock

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'

$185.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

100+ years

Native To

Europe and Asia Minor

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A dense, medium-sized deciduous tree with finely serrated, dark green leaves and smooth, gray, muscle-like bark. It is valued for its neat habit, tolerance of pruning, and handsome foliage. 'Fastigiata' is a popular cultivar known for its tight, upright, flame-shaped habit when young. With age, it broadens to a more vase-like or broad teardrop shape, but remains dense and formal in appearance.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This is a tree of refined elegance. Its dense, pleated green foliage creates a solid screen of texture in summer, turning a lovely yellow in fall. The smooth, sinewy gray bark provides subtle but distinct winter interest, making it a year-round performer.

Its tolerance of heavy shearing makes it one of the best trees for creating tall, formal hedges, privacy screens, and architectural forms like pleached allées. Its dense canopy also makes it an effective windbreak.

The catkins provide early spring pollen. The seeds (nutlets) are eaten by birds, including finches and grosbeaks. The dense branching provides excellent nesting habitat and cover for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$185.00

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$262.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in sun or shade with good soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is level with the ground.
Backfill with the original soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

For the tightest hedge, shear it twice a year: once in early summer and again in late summer.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune regularly if a formal shape or hedge is desired.
Provide consistent moisture, as it is not highly drought tolerant.
Appreciate its clean, pest-free nature.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in full sun.
Don't expect a narrow column for its entire life; allow room for it to widen.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Superb formal hedge or privacy screenElegant specimen tree for lawns and courtyardsExcellent choice for pleaching or topiary

Companion Plants

Buxus 'Green Velvet' Taxus x media 'Hicksii' Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pyramidal European Hornbeam questions

What zones can Pyramidal European Hornbeam grow in?

Pyramidal 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 Pyramidal European Hornbeam deer resistant?

Yes — Pyramidal European Hornbeam is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pyramidal European Hornbeam bloom?

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

Does Pyramidal European Hornbeam need full sun?

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