European hornbeams are excellent in groupings around large buildings and also useful as screens, hedges, and windbreak trees. 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.
- 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
- 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