Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: Japanese hornbeam

Family: Betulaceae

Distribution: Japan

IUCN Red list: Data deficient

Hardiness: Zone 4a -30 to -25 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree

Comments: Japanese hornbeam, is a slow-growing, deciduous, small to medium-sized understory tree with an attractive spreading globular form. It typically grows 20-30’ tall in cultivation, but may reach 50’ tall in its native habit in Japan. It is noted for its graceful form, attractive foliage and ornamental fruiting catkins. Foliage features doubly-toothed, oblong-lanceolate, taper-pointed, lush dark green leaves with prominent veining. The leaf bases may be rounded to slightly cordate to lopsided. Fall color is negligible. Brown fruiting catkins (to 2.5” long) are sausage-shaped, featuring dense overlapping bracts.
Best grown in average, medium moisture soil in part shade to full shade. Tolerates full sun. Prefers moist, organically rich soils.