Carpinus betulus Franz Fontaine

Fastigiate European Hornbeam

An exceptionally narrow, upright European hornbeam prized for its tight columnar habit and refined appearance. Bright green, pleated foliage emerges in spring, remains clean through summer, and turns yellow to amber-brown in fall, often persisting into winter. Smooth gray bark and dense branching provide strong year-round structure with minimal pruning.


Plant Characteristics


Type: Deciduous tree



Form: Very narrow, columnar, upright



Mature Width: 10–15 ft



Mature Height: 40–50 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; excellent natural form with little pruning required




Landscape Uses
Street trees, narrow lawns, tight urban spaces, formal rows, allees, and screens where extreme vertical form is required.


Care Tips


Minimal pruning needed; shape in late winter if desired



Performs well in urban and compacted soils once established



Allow adequate root space for long-term performance

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

30-40'

Width

18'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Soil

Clay, Loamy well-drained, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen, Street Tree

Shape

Narrow Upright

Bark

Smooth

Drought tolerant

Yes