Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: upright European hornbeam

Family: Betulaceae

Distribution: Garden Origin

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 5b -15 to -10 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental

Comments: Upright European hornbeam displays a narrow, fastigiate form in youth, but gradually acquires a tear drop or oval-vase shape with age, typically maturing to 40’ tall and 30’ wide. It is much more common in commerce than the species. Ovate, toothed, bright medium green leaves to 4” long are clean and attractive throughout the growing season with little susceptibility to foliar diseases. Foliage turns yellow-orange in fall. Trunks have smooth gray bark and distinctive muscle-like fluting.
Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It is a survivor, requiring little care and withstanding drought, poor soils and heavy pollution.