Types of Hornbeam

North American Natives

• The natural range of the American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) spreads across eastern North America. This small tree grows to 35 feet tall with a 30-foot spread with a low, rounded canopy. The American hornbeam has dark foliage that turns bright red, yellow and orange in fall. It's hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9 and thrives in sites with moist, or even wet, soil. Another North American native, the American hop hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) grows to 50 feet tall with a 30-foot spread. A good choice for partially shaded sites with moist soil, this slow-growing tree has attractive fall foliage and draws wildlife with its nuts. Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, this tree has showy, exfoliating bark.

European Natives

• The European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) traditionally grows across Europe and into the Middle East. It grows slowly to 60 feet with a 40-foot spread, making it an appropriate choice for areas where you want to create dense shade. Also known as the ironwood or musclewood, this hornbeam has a smooth, gray trunk and dark foliage with serrated margins. It's hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7 and prefers sites with moist, well-draining soil. The hophornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia), also called European hornbeam, grows to 75 feet tall with a 35-foot-wide canopy. This European native is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and grows best in moist, acidic soil. Its medium-green foliage turns a showy yellow in fall, while its mottled gray bark adds visual interest to the winter landscape.

Asian Natives

• The heartleaf hornbeam (Carpinus cordata) grows to 30 feet tall with a 15-foot spread. This Asian native is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 and tolerates a range of site conditions. Its dark green foliage turns yellow in autumn. The Japanese hornbeam (Carpinus japonica) grows to the same size but is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. Though its fall foliage isn't showy, this Japanese native produces attractive fruits. Another native of Japan, the hornbeam maple (Acer carpinifolium) grows to just over 30 feet tall. Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8a, the hornbeam maple grows best in well-draining, moist soil and tolerates partial or dappled shade.

Cultivars

• Hornbeam cultivars grow in a variety of sizes, forms and colors, such as the erect European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus "Fastigiata"). This cultivar grows to 50 feet tall with a similar spread and has a more columnar shape than the species. It's hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. The weeping European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus "Pendula") grows to 60 feet with a 40-foot, weeping canopy. This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7 and tolerates occasionally wet soil.