Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)

Botanical name

Carpinus betulus

Other names

Hornbeam, European hornbeam, Horn beech, Horse beech, Hurst beech , White beech, Yoke elm, Charmille

Genus

Carpinus Carpinus

Species

C. betulus - C. betulus is a conical, later irregularly rounded, deciduous tree with a fluted, grey trunk and ovate, toothed, mid-green leaves turning orange and yellow in autumn. Yellow male catkins and pale green female catkins bloom in spring. Female catkins are followed by green fruit with prominent, lobed bracts.

Native to

Europe, Turkey

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Conical, Rounded

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

Yellow, Pale-green in Spring

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Yellow, Orange in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars

Specific diseases

Coral spot , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Suitable for growing as a hedge. Trim hedges in late summer. Tolerates hard pruning.

Propagation

Sow seed in a seedbed or cold frame in autumn.

Propagation methods

Grafting, Seed, Softwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) will reach a height of 25m and a spread of 20m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Foliage only, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)

Common pest name

Asian longhorn beetle; Starry sky beetle

Scientific pest name

Anoplophora glabripennis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Recognised threat to a wide range of deciduous tress native to the UK. Already regulated it is a priority for continued surveillance and statutory action. The risk of entry is further mitigated by EU legislation requiring the monitoring of wooden packaging material originating from China.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)

Common pest name

Black timber bark beetle; Smaller alnus bark beetle; tea root borer

Scientific pest name

Xylosandrus germanus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Ambrosia beetle affecting a wide range of trees and woody hosts. Widespread in Europe and elsewhere and now present in the south of England. Impacts can be reduced by good silvicultural practices. Surveillance is being carried out to better determine distribution.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Monochamus guttulatus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

East Asian longhorn beetle whose larvae feed on a range of deciduous trees; with a preference for dying trees. A PRA will help to better assess the level of risk to the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/