Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'

Columnar European Hornbeam

A narrow, upright selection of European hornbeam valued for its strong vertical form and dense branching. Bright green, pleated leaves emerge in spring, remain clean through summer, and turn yellow to orange-brown in fall, often persisting into winter. Smooth gray bark and a formal silhouette provide year-round structure, making this cultivar ideal where space is limited.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Deciduous tree



Form: Upright, columnar to narrowly oval



Mature Width: 15–20 ft



Mature Height: 40–50 ft



Flower Color: Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins



Foliage Color: Bright green; yellow to orange-brown 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




Landscape Uses
Street trees, formal plantings, narrow lawns, allees, screens, and clipped hedges. Excellent where a vertical accent or formal structure is desired.


Care Tips


Prune in late winter if shaping is required



Performs well in urban settings



Allow adequate root space for best long-term performance

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

30-40'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Hedge, Specimen

Shape

Narrow Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No