Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 35–45 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide, slow-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Needs protected site.
medium water35–45 ft tall and 20–30 ft wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Carpinus betulus
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Fastigiata'
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 35–45 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~30 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: ExposureIt wants shelter; open, windy, reflected-heat sites batter it, so tuck it against a building or a windbreak.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Frequently asked questions
- Is Hornbeam good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Hornbeam is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Hornbeam get?
- It matures to about 35–45 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide.
- How much room does Hornbeam need?
- Give Hornbeam about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Hornbeam grow into?
- Hornbeam typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Hornbeam hardy on the Front Range?
- Hornbeam is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Hornbeam need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Hornbeam grow?
- Hornbeam is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Hornbeam live?
- Hornbeam has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Hornbeam native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Hornbeam deer-resistant?
- Hornbeam is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
Find Hornbeam near you
See also
Related trees
Hornbeam, European: Frans Fontaine
Carpinus betulus
Hornbeam, American hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Honeylocust, Thornless Common: NORTHERN ACCLAIM®
Gleditsia triacanthos
Corktree, Amur corktree
Phellodendron amurense
Willow, Prairie Cascade, Weeping
Salix x 'Prairie Cascade'
Zelkova, Japanese Zelkova 'Musashino'
Zelkova serrata