Carpinus betulus Emerald Avenue

'Emerald Avenue' Hornbeam

A refined, narrowly upright selection of European hornbeam with a clean, formal silhouette and dense branching. Bright green, pleated leaves emerge in spring, stay attractive through summer, and turn yellow to amber-brown in fall, often persisting into winter. Smooth gray bark and excellent tolerance of pruning make it a standout for structured landscapes.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Deciduous tree



Form: Narrowly upright, columnar



Mature Width: 12–15 ft



Mature Height: 40–45 ft



Flower Color: Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins



Foliage Color: Bright green; yellow to amber fall color




Growing Conditions


USDA Hardiness Zones: 5a–8b



Light: Full sun to partial shade



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



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



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




Landscape Uses
Street trees, narrow lawns, formal rows, allees, screens, and clipped hedges. Excellent where a tight vertical form and long-term structure are needed.


Care Tips


Prune in late winter to maintain form if desired



Performs well in urban conditions



Avoid extremely dry sites during establishment

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

40-45'

Width

12-15'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Fast

Leaf color

Teal

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Specimen, Street Tree

Shape

Pyramidal

Drought tolerant

No