About
Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris' is a compact, upright deciduous tree that gradually reaches a height of up to 8 meters. In its early years, it exhibits a narrow, spire-like shape with a dense arrangement of branches and foliage, eventually developing a more rounded canopy as it matures. The leaves are ribbed and mid-green, transitioning to yellow hues in the fall. In late spring, this tree produces green catkins, followed by clusters of winged seeds later in the season.
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
- 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
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- More than 50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by 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