About
Carpinus polyneura is a medium-sized deciduous tree, reaching heights of up to 15 meters (50 feet). Its bark is grey and roughens with age, while the younger twigs and stems exhibit a purplish-brown hue. In spring, new leaves emerge in a reddish-green tone, transitioning to a glossy dark green during the summer months. The autumn foliage is relatively unremarkable. This species produces separate male and female catkins on the same tree between May and June. Following pollination, the female flowers develop into clusters resembling hops by late summer through autumn, maturing into winged seeds that are carried away by the wind once ripe.
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
- 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
- S China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most soils, as long as they are reasonably moist and well drained. Cannot tolerate dry soils. 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