Hornbeam, European, Frans Fontaine

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'

Height: 30-35ft
Spread: 12-15ft
Zone: 4-8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time/Color: N/A
Fall Color: Yellow
Uses: Specimen, street tree, hedge
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Narrow, columnar
Other: N/A

European hornbeam is a very durable tree that makes an excellent choice for hedges, topiaries, street or shade tree, or as a specimen in the landscape. 'Frans Fontaine' is identified by its narrow, columnar architecture and elliptical, toothed dark green leaves that turn a golden yellow in autumn. Insignificant catkins appear in spring and mature into dropping nutlets that are quite ornamental. Bark is a smooth grey and the trunk is fluted in maturity adding interest to the winter landscape. European hornbeam prefer well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. They also have little to no disease or insect issues and tolerate some periods of drought. 'Frans Fontaine' maintains it shape better than other European hornbeams.