European Hornbeam

European hornbeam is a deciduous tree with pleated, toothed leaves and dense, symmetrical branching. Its foliage turns yellow in autumn, and its tolerance of pruning makes it useful as a specimen, in grouped plantings or as a clipped hedge ([Virginia Cooperative Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/3010/3010-1480/3010-1480.html)). ## Growing Conditions Virginia Cooperative Extension recommends full sun to part shade and soil that is not poorly drained. It reports USDA zones 5–7 and notes drought and urban tolerance. The Morton Arboretum gives a mature size of 40–60 ft tall by 30–40 ft wide, so allow room for a substantial crown ([Morton Arboretum profile](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/european-hornbeam/)). ## Maintenance The species needs no special care in the Virginia Cooperative Extension profile. Prune as needed to maintain a hedge or clear space; an unpruned tree develops a broad crown. Kew accepts the species as *Carpinus betulus* in the family Betulaceae ([Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/295248-1)).