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Carpinus fangiana

monkeytail hornbeam

A large, broadly conicaltree with smooth grey bark. The narrowly oval, double-toothed leaves have prominent veins and are up to 27cm long. They emerge purple-bronze in spring, becoming olive-green. Pale green, papery catkins up to 30cm long appear in spring, gradually fading to tawny brown

Other common names
Fang's hornbeam
Synonyms
Carpinus wilsoniana
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
more than 50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Betulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Carpinus are deciduous shrubs and trees with attractive foliage and hop-like fruit clusters in late summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus

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