Overview
Ostrya carpinifolia is a columnar upright, spreading branched trees in the genus Ostrya, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Ostrya carpinifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural. It is native to S Europe and W Asia.
About
Ostrya carpinifolia is a deciduous tree that can grow up to approximately 15 meters in height. It has a conical shape during its youth, gradually maturing into a more rounded form. The foliage consists of glossy, oval leaves that are deeply veined and feature doubly serrated margins. In the spring, yellow-green catkins emerge; the male catkins can grow up to 7 centimeters in length, while the smaller female catkins later produce hanging seed clusters resembling hops in late summer. In the autumn, the leaves transition to a yellow hue.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ostrya
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ostrya carpinifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
- Native to
- S Europe, W Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ostrya carpinifolia
- Cultivation
- Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil, though will tolerate most soil types. Prefers full sun in cooler areas, can benefit from partial shade in hot summers but flowering and autumn colour are reduced. Protect from strong winds. Can be a host tree for white truffle (Tuber magnatum)
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings. Seed requires stratification to germinate
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to European oak bark beetle
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to chestnut blight and a fungal canker
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ostrya carpinifolia?
Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil, though will tolerate most soil types. Prefers full sun in cooler areas, can benefit from partial shade in hot summers but flowering and autumn colour are reduced. Protect from strong winds. Can be a host tree for white truffle (Tuber magnatum).
Where is the best place to plant Ostrya carpinifolia?
Ostrya carpinifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ostrya carpinifolia need?
Ostrya carpinifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Ostrya carpinifolia?
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1.
How big does Ostrya carpinifolia grow?
Ostrya carpinifolia reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Ostrya carpinifolia hardy in the UK?
Ostrya carpinifolia has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Ostrya carpinifolia?
Propagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings. Seed requires stratification to germinate.