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Carpinus japonica

Japanese hornbeam

A spreading deciduous tree of elegant appearance, with glossy, prominently veined leaves and conspicuous green fruiting catkins turning pale brown with maturity

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 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 Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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
Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Good in woodland settings

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Flower borders and beds
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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