Carpinus kawakamii
A medium-sized deciduous tree, with dark grey older bark and brownish-grey younger branches and reaching a height of 9m (30ft) when mature. In very mild gardens in the south-west of England it can sometimes remain in leaf through the year. Foliage emerges reddish-green in spring, maturing to green in summer and then turning bright orange red in autumn. . The green, male and female catkins are produced separately on the same tree in May to June. After fertilisation, the female flowers develop into hop-like clusters in late summer to autumn, containing winged seeds that disperse on the wind when ripe
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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, Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most soils, as long as they are reasonably moist and well drained. Best given shelter from cold winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings in spring and early summer, or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
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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