Photo of Carpinus japonica flower, form by Secret Garden Growers

Photo by Secret Garden Growers

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Buy Carpinus japonica

Also Known As

  • Carpinus japonicus
  • Hornbeam
  • Japanese Hornbeam

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 15'-30'
  • W: 12'-15'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

1 gallon | $49

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34 at Forestfarm

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Carpinus japonica plant details

Carpinus japonica is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer green and yellow flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Grows well with sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Carpinus japonica

Plant type: tree
Plant family: betulaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 FT - 15 FT - wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: green and yellow blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: catkins, small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Carpinus japonica

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Elegant! This very attractive understory tree from Japan eventually reaches 20-30' tall and is just as wide-spreading. Its outstanding feature is its dark-green, long, very prominently grooved leaves. Wonderful hop-like papery catkins appear abundantly in spring. A perfect choice for the woodland garden as it is able to tolerate full shade. S-PSh/M
The perfect small urban tree! Slow growing to 20-30’ high & wide, spreading form, open in shade and more dense in sun...lush dark green leaves are double toothed with prominent veining – highly textural! Spring fruits closely resemble hops and get a lot of attention. Prefers moist, organically rich soil but accepts less...takes full sun to full shade. Very choice and attractive smallish deciduous tree.
The Japanese hornbeam is a densely branched medium sized shade tree. The oblong leaves have very prominent veining which creates a wonderful texture. Growth Rate fast, 12"+ annually
Its narrow leaves have a remarkable, deeply impressed, 3-D character - worth growing for this one feature alone. Not bothered by disease, it grows rapidly to form a round-shaped crown 25-30 ft. tall. During summer and autumn, the long seed-bearing "hops" make the tree appear decorated. Performs best in the South if it is partially shaded.
Japanese Hornbeam. An underutilised but very handsome small tree (15-25') with small pleated birch like leaves and decorative seed-bearing "hops" develop in mid-late summer, lasting until November. Drought tolerant. LARGER PLANTS FOR ONSITE NURSERY SALES.
Medium sized deciduous tree to 25' tall with pleated leaves on fine stems. Ornamental hop-like fruit in late summer.

Gardening facts about Carpinus japonica plant

How to Grow Carpinus japonica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • green
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Carpinus for your garden

aka Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontain'

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 30'-35'

Width: 15'-18'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' form by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Dwarf Columnar Hornbeam

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 8'-10'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris Nana' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

aka Columnar European Hornbeam, Common Hornbeam, Fastigiata European Hornbeam, Upright European Hornbeam

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 30'-40'

Width: 20'-30'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' form by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Hornbeam

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 20'-30'

Width: 20'-30'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Carpinus laxiflora foliage, form by Dalgial
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aka European Hornbeam

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 40'-60'

Width: 30'-60'

  • sun
Photo of Carpinus betulus form by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
View Plant

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+19 more Carpinus
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