The European hornbeam has densely textured foliage and handsome, slate-gray smooth to fluted bark. The dark green leaves turn an attractive yellow in the fall, and the bark and buds are ornamental in winter.
European hornbeams are excellent in groupings around large buildings and also useful as screens, hedges, and windbreak trees.
- Family (English) Birch
- Family (botanic) Betulaceae
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 40-60 feet
- Mature width 30-40 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, late summer, early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Narrow, Pyramidal, Round, Upright
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well Moderate
- Wildlife Birds, Insect pollinators, Small mammals
- Has cultivars Yes
