About
Carpinus henryana var. simplicidentata is a medium to large deciduous tree characterized by its grey bark, which transitions to reddish brown on younger branches. The tree's new shoots are initially covered in soft down, shedding this fuzz as they mature, while the undersides of the leaves remain adorned with fine, silky hairs. In spring and summer, the foliage presents a rich green, transforming to a vivid orange-red in the fall. During April, the tree produces separate male and female catkins. Following pollination, the female flowers give rise to clusters resembling hops in late summer to autumn, which contain winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind when mature.
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
- 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
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