Carpinus betulus

A durable, long-lived deciduous tree valued for its dense branching, refined texture, and excellent tolerance of pruning. Bright green, pleated leaves emerge in spring, deepen through summer, and turn clear yellow to orange-brown in fall, often persisting on the tree into winter. Smooth gray bark and a strong framework give year-round structure, making it especially effective as a hedge or screen.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Deciduous tree



Form: Upright oval to rounded; dense, finely branched



Mature Width: 30–40 ft



Mature Height: 40–60 ft



Flower Color: Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins



Foliage Color: Bright green, yellow fall color




Growing Conditions


USDA Hardiness Zones: 5a–8b



Light: Full sun to partial shade



Soil: Adaptable; prefers fertile, well-drained soils but tolerates clay



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Maintenance: Low to moderate; responds very well to pruning and shearing




Landscape Uses
Formal and informal hedges, screens, allees, street trees, and specimens. One of the best trees for clipped hedging and pleaching.


Care Tips


Prune in late winter or summer to maintain hedges or formal shapes



Tolerates urban conditions and air pollution



Avoid extremely dry or compacted sites during establishment

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

40-60'

Width

30'-40'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Leaf color

Teal

Fall color

Amaranth

Soil

Dry Area, Loamy

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Shape

Pyramidal

Drought tolerant

No