tree · design plant record

Carpinus betulus

European hornbeam

A large deciduous tree that can also be trained as a maintained screen.

Photographs show the source plant or captioned cultivar, season and setting. They do not document one of our illustrative garden layouts as a built project.

Height at maturity

12.19–18.29 m (40–60 ft)

Spread at maturity

9.14–12.19 m (30–40 ft)

Light

Sun / Part shade

Moisture

Drier soil after establishment / Moist, draining soil / Wet-soil tolerance (check details)

Source-reported USDA zones

4–8 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Summer, Autumn, Winter

Fit it to the site

Moist, draining soil; distinguish a full tree from a clipped hedge.

Tree dimensions here are not hedge dimensions; regular pruning and a specific hedge spacing plan are separate decisions.

Keep the care in the decision

Allow for repeated clipping if using it as a hedge or formal screen.

Origin & safety checks

Europe to Iran. Confirm local native range and restrictions.

Pet safety and edible uses are not assessed; verify the exact botanical name with a suitable local authority.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.