Carpinus japonica

Carpinus japonica Details

Carpinus japonica, commonly known as Japanese Hornbeam, is a small, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage and showy flowers. Glossy, mid-green leaves emerge in spring, age to become dark green, then develop vibrant orange and yellow tones in autumn before falling. Green catkins, similar in appearance to hops cones, are borne in spring and hang amidst the branches with a delightful elegance. It grows with a pyramidal shape to about 12 m tall and 5 m wide, though can be contained with trimming. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is planted in full sun on a well-drained site. It will tolerate cool climates, frost, short periods of dry, and some wind. Carpinus japonica is commonly grown as a specimen, used in avenue plantings, planted to border an entrance, or included in a mixed planting in a large garden.