Overview
Carpinus betulus is a bushy trees in the genus Carpinus, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around more than 50 years. Carpinus betulus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe to Iran.
About
Carpinus betulus is a substantial deciduous tree with a distinctive fluted gray trunk. Its leaves measure between 5 and 8 cm in length, are ovate in shape, and display prominent ribbing, changing to a yellow hue in the fall. In spring, the tree produces catkins, which are succeeded by elongated, hop-like fruiting catkins that can reach up to 8 cm. This species is well-suited for woodland environments.
About the genus
Carpinus comprises deciduous shrubs and trees known for their appealing leaves and clusters of hop-like fruits that appear in late summer and autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Carpinus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Carpinus betulus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- More than 50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to Iran
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carpinus betulus
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or by grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Carpinus betulus?
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Carpinus betulus?
Carpinus betulus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carpinus betulus need?
Carpinus betulus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Carpinus betulus?
Pruning group 1.
How big does Carpinus betulus grow?
Carpinus betulus reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around more than 50 years to reach full size.
Is Carpinus betulus hardy in the UK?
Carpinus betulus has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Carpinus betulus?
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings or by grafting.