Tree · Betulaceae family
European hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
In short a 10-second read
in the wild up to 65.6 ft
spacing 26 ft 3 in
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist.
Sun
Soil
Watering
Frost
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
Plant 26 ft 3 in apart.
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
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Planting
container plant: March–April, October–November; bare-root: March–April, October–November; root-balled: March–April, October–November
Feeding
May–June
Feeding
Nutrition.
up to 0.18 oz/sq ft a year, if the soil needs it · May–June
Pests and diseases
Common problems and what to do.
The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.
No serious pests or diseases
The source lists no significant problems.
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 26 ft 3 in–49.2 ft wide and 32.8 ft–65.6 ft tall; recommended spacing 26 ft 3 in.
Sources (22) Checked 24 October 2026
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu
- vdberk.com
- api.gbif.org
- polleninformation.at
- pollenundallergie.ch
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- rhs.org.uk 2 3 4 5 6
- missouribotanicalgarden.org
- hgic.clemson.edu
- lwg.bayern.de
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
West Himalayan birch
Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii
Uses