Tree · Betulaceae family
European hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
In short a 10-second read
European hornbeam (tree) grows to 10–20 m tall and 8–15 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 8–15 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 4.5–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 50–100 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead, diseased or damaged branches, crossing branches and shoots growing in the wrong direction (August–January).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does European hornbeam tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does European hornbeam need?
At maturity 8–15 m wide and 10–20 m tall; recommended spacing 800 cm.
Does European hornbeam survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −29 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (21)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Carpinus betulus
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Carpinus betulus
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), stromová škôlka — Carpinus betulus
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Carpinus betulus
- Polleninformation.at Plantcompass — Hornbeam
- aha! Allergiezentrum Schweiz — pollenundallergie.ch
- Zahradníková E., Rendeková A., Ščevková J. (2023) Temporal variation of allergenic potential in urban parks: a case study from Bratislava, Slovakia. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31: 2026–2041 (doi 10.1007/s11356-023-31137-9) — tabuľka peľového a alergénneho potenciálu drevín
- RHS - Carpinus betulus
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Carpinus betulus
- RHS - Bleeding from pruning cuts
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Bleeding from pruning cuts
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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