Overview

Carpinus caroliniana 'Autumn Fire' is a bushy tree in the genus Carpinus, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 12.0 m tall. Carpinus caroliniana 'Autumn Fire' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.

About

Carpinus caroliniana 'Autumn Fire' is a deciduous, well-branched tree cultivar that reaches around 12.0 m. It flowers from March to April. It favours full sun and moist but well-drained soils, tolerating sandy, loamy or clay substrates across a wide pH range. The cultivar suits exposed or sheltered positions and is rated H7 for UK conditions.

About the genus

Hornbeams are hardwood trees in the plant genus Carpinus in the family Betulaceae. Its species occur across much of the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hornbeam", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hornbeam

In the garden

Carpinus caroliniana 'Autumn Fire' is a cultivated form of American hornbeam that develops a compact, well-branched habit and reaches roughly 12.0 m at maturity. It produces its flowers in March to April. The species character and the cultivar’s structure give it presence as a medium-to-large garden tree without requiring a large parkland setting. Plant in a position that receives full sun; the tree tolerates east-, south-, north- or west-facing aspects and will cope in both exposed and sheltered sites. Soil may be sandy, loamy or clay and any pH from acid to alkaline, but keep the root-run consistently moist and avoid prolonged waterlogging. In UK terms it is H7, fully hardy, and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9, so it withstands severe winter cold where drainage and soil moisture are suitable. Use Carpinus caroliniana 'Autumn Fire' as an architectural specimen or as part of cottage and informal plantings, and incorporate it into wildlife-focused areas where a deciduous, mid-height tree is required. Allow sufficient planting distance from buildings and overhead services to accommodate a mature height around 12.0 m and its well-branched crown.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Carpinus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Carpinus caroliniana 'Autumn Fire' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Tree

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

12.0 m

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Carpinus caroliniana 'Autumn Fire'

Propagation

Seed, Softwood cuttings, Grafting

Pest resistance

Caterpillars, Aphids

Disease resistance

Powdery mildews, Coral spot, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions