European hornbeam Carpinus betulus
European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Betulaceae family, native to Central and southern Europe, Asia Minor. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 8–14 m (26–46 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan European hornbeam in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
European hornbeam at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–14 m (26–46 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and southern Europe, Asia Minor |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is European hornbeam toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity is reported for people; pet toxicity is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with European hornbeam
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about European hornbeam
- How far apart should I plant European hornbeam?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–14 m (26–46 ft).
- Does European hornbeam need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does European hornbeam need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is European hornbeam?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does European hornbeam flower?
- From about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is European hornbeam poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity is reported for people; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with European hornbeam?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for European hornbeam. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Clips well and holds dead leaves through winter in hedges; grows on heavy clay that beech dislikes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Common hazel Corylus avellana
- River birch Betula nigra
- Paper birch Betula papyrifera
- Mountain birch Betula pubescens subsp. czerepanovii
- Turkish hazel Corylus colurna
- Himalayan birch (bhojpatra; white-barked jacquemontii) Betula utilis
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo