About
Carpinus kawakamii is a medium-sized deciduous tree, typically growing to a height of 9 meters (30 feet) at maturity. Its bark is dark grey on older sections, while younger branches exhibit a brownish-grey hue. In regions with mild climates, particularly in the southwestern part of England, it may retain its leaves throughout the year. In spring, the foliage begins as reddish-green, transitioning to green during summer, and then displaying a vivid orange-red in the fall. This species produces separate male and female catkins on the same tree, which appear from May to June. Following pollination, the female flowers develop into clusters resembling hops in late summer to autumn, containing winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind when they reach maturity.
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
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China, Taiwan
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most soils, as long as they are reasonably moist and well drained. Best given shelter from cold winds
- 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