About
Carpinus fargesiana is a sizable deciduous tree characterized by its smooth grey trunk and dark-brown to grey branches that gracefully droop at their tips. Although not commonly found in cultivation, this species can attain heights of up to 20 meters (66 feet) at maturity. In spring, it showcases new foliage that emerges in shades of bronze-purple and green, transitioning to a full green during the summer months before displaying vibrant orange-red hues in the fall. In April, the tree produces separate male and female catkins. Following fertilization, the female flowers transform into hop-like clusters by late summer to autumn, which contain winged seeds that are released into the wind once they ripen.
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
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most soils, as long as they are reasonably moist and well drained
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings in spring and early summer, or grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus