Carpinus

Carpinus Hornbeam – Best In New Zealand

Growing Carpinus Hornbeam in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Hornbeam plants, and the right one for your space. Our Carpinus betulus plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Carpinus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Carpinus Questions

1. What are the cons of hornbeam?

The cons of hornbeam include:

• Hornbeam trees are slow-growing, especially when young. It can take many years for a tree to reach its mature size.
• Older trees can be difficult to transplant. This is because they have deep and spreading roots.
• Hornbeam wood is not as durable as other hardwoods, such as oak and maple.

Despite these cons, hornbeam trees are a popular choice for landscaping and hedging. This is due to their attractive foliage, hardiness, and ability to tolerate a variety of conditions.

2. Is Carpinus poisonous to dogs?

Carpinus trees (hornbeam) are not poisonous to dogs. However, it is important to note that any plant material can cause an upset stomach in dogs if ingested in large quantities.

3. Is hornbeam fast growing?

Hornbeams are relatively slow-growing. They typically grow about 25-40 cm per year, but this can vary depending on the species and growing conditions. Hornbeams can reach a height of up to 30 m and a width of up to 20 m at maturity.

4. Is Carpinus an evergreen?

Carpinus (hornbeams) are not evergreen. They are known for their beautiful, bright green leaves in the spring and summer, which then turn a golden yellow or orange colour before falling in autumn.

5. What are the characteristics of Carpinus?

Carpinus, or hornbeam, is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in the birch family (Betulaceae). There are about 40 species of hornbeam, which are native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Hornbeam trees are known for their hard, dense wood, which is often used for tool handles, musical instruments, and other specialty products. Hornbeam trees are also popular for landscaping and hedging because of their attractive foliage, hardiness, and ability to tolerate a variety of conditions.

Here are some of the key characteristics of hornbeam trees:

• Hornbeam trees have alternate, simple leaves with toothed margins. The leaves are typically dark green in the spring and summer, and they turn yellow or orange in autumn before falling off the tree.
• Hornbeam trees produce unisexual flowers that are arranged in catkins. The male and female catkins are found on separate trees.
• Hornbeam trees produce small, nut-like fruits that are enclosed in a leafy bract. The fruits ripen in autumn and are dispersed by the wind.
• Hornbeam trees have smooth, grey bark when young. As the tree matures, the bark develops ridges and furrows.
• Hornbeam trees can grow as either trees or shrubs. Tree-form hornbeams can reach a height of up to 30 m and a width of up to 20 m. Shrub-form hornbeams are typically smaller, reaching a height of up to 3 m and a width of up to 2 m.

6. How much does a hornbeam cost?

The cost of a hornbeam tree can vary greatly depending on several factors, but here is a general guide:

• Smaller trees (around 60 cm to 1 m tall): These can be relatively inexpensive, starting around $40-$60 for container-grown specimens.
• Medium-sized trees (around 1.2 to 1.6 m tall): These will cost more, typically ranging from $150-$250 for container-grown.
• Larger trees (over 2 m tall): These can be quite expensive, reaching into the thousands of dollars, especially for mature or well-shaped specimens.

Common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): This is the most readily available and generally the most affordable species. American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is less common and may cost a bit more. More unique or rare varieties, such as those pleached into formal shapes, can be significantly more expensive.

7. Which is better beech or hornbeam?

Deciding whether beech or hornbeam is "better" depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both trees have their advantages and disadvantages, making them better suited for different situations. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

Appearance:

• Beech: Smooth, silvery-gray bark that matures to a beautiful light grey. Glossy, green leaves with wavy edges that turn golden-brown in autumn and often hold on through winter.
• Hornbeam: Muscled, fluted bark with ridges, usually grey-brown. Smaller, dull green leaves with serrated edges that turn a dull yellow-brown in autumn and usually fall by winter.

Growth:

• Beech: Grows slower than hornbeam, reaching around 70-80 feet (22-28 m) in height and 50-60 feet (18-20 m) wide. Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established.
• Hornbeam: Grows faster than beech, reaching around 40-50 feet (16-18 m) tall and 30-40 feet (10-12 m) wide. Tolerates a wider range of soil conditions, including acidic and moist soil.

Maintenance:

• Beech: Requires minimal pruning once established. May struggle in strong winds due to its large canopy.
• Hornbeam: Requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and density. More tolerant of windy conditions.

Wildlife:

• Beech: Provides food and nesting sites for a variety of birds and mammals. Its fallen leaves create a valuable habitat for invertebrates.
• Hornbeam: Less attractive to wildlife than beech, but still provides some food and nesting opportunities.

Generally:

• Beech: Better choice if you want a large, stately tree with striking bark and autumn foliage. Requires less maintenance but needs well-drained soil and might not be ideal for windy locations.
• Hornbeam: Better choice if you need a faster-growing tree that tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and can handle windy locations. Requires more regular pruning but provides year-round interest with its textured bark.

8. Where is the best place to plant hornbeam?

Finding the best place for your hornbeam depends on several factors:

Sunlight and Shade:

• Full sun: Hornbeams enjoy plenty of sunshine and thrive in open areas. This encourages healthy growth and dense foliage.
• Partial shade: They can tolerate partial shade, but full sun is generally preferred. Too much shade can lead to weaker growth.

Soil:

• Well-drained: Hornbeams hate wet and heavy soils, so well-drained soil is essential. They can handle various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and even clay soils, as long as the drainage is good.
• Moisture: They prefer moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought once established. Avoid waterlogged areas.
• pH: Hornbeams prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5), but can tolerate a range of pH levels.

Space:

• Mature size: Consider the mature size of your chosen hornbeam variety. European hornbeams reach 40-50 feet (12-15 m tall) and 30-40 feet (10-15 m) wide, while American hornbeams are slightly smaller at 20-30 feet (8-10 m) tall and wide. Plant accordingly to avoid overcrowding or shading other plants.
• Purpose: Are you planting for privacy, a hedge, or a specimen tree? This will influence the spacing between individuals or from other structures.

Additional considerations:

• Wind: Hornbeams are relatively wind-tolerant compared to some other trees. However, if your area experiences strong winds, consider planting in a sheltered spot or choosing a variety with a denser canopy.
• Existing features: Overhead power lines, buildings, or other structures can limit your planting options. Ensure the chosen location won't conflict with these features in the future.

Examples of good places to plant hornbeams:

• Lawns: As a specimen tree for a focal point.
• Hedges: For privacy screens or boundaries.
• Mixed borders: To add texture and contrast.
• Woodland edges: To create a natural transition.
• Paved areas: In tree pits with sufficient drainage.

Remember: Always research the specific needs of your chosen hornbeam variety to ensure you choose the best location for its optimal growth and health.

9. Which grows faster hornbeam or beech?

Hornbeam generally grows faster than beech, both in terms of height and spread. Here's a breakdown:

Growth Rate:

• Hornbeam: Grows around 0.5-1 meter (1.6-3.3 feet) per year in height and width.
• Beech: Grows around 0.3-0.5 meters (1-1.6 feet) per year in height and width.

Mature Size:

• Hornbeam: Typically reaches 12-15 meters (40-50 feet) in height and 9-12 meters (30-40 feet) in spread.
• Beech: Can reach 21-24 meters (70-80 feet) in height and 15-18 meters (50-60 feet) in spread.

Therefore, while beech will eventually become a much larger tree, hornbeam wins the race in terms of initial growth speed. You can expect a hornbeam to grow noticeably faster and reach a respectable size sooner than a beech of the same age.

10. How can you tell a hornbeam from a beech?

Telling a hornbeam from a beech can be tricky at first glance, especially when they're not in leaf. Here are several helpful clues to differentiate the two:

Leaves:

• Shape: Both have oval leaves with pointed tips, but beech leaves are glossier and smoother, while hornbeam leaves are duller and have deeper veins.
• Edges: Beech leaves have wavy edges, while hornbeam leaves have finely serrated edges.
• Autumn color: Beech leaves turn a vibrant golden-brown, often holding on through winter, while hornbeam leaves turn a dull yellow-brown and usually fall by winter.

Bark:

• Beech: Smooth, silvery-grey bark that matures to a light grey.
• Hornbeam: Muscled, fluted bark with ridges, usually grey-brown.

Buds:

• Beech: Long, pointed buds that stand out at a 45-degree angle from the twig.
• Hornbeam: Shorter, rounder buds that lie close to the twig.

Size and Growth:

• Beech: Grows slower than hornbeam, reaching a larger mature size (70-80 feet tall vs. 40-50 feet for hornbeam).
• Hornbeam: Grows faster than beech, but with a denser form.

Additional Tip:

• Hedge Comparison: If you're looking at already established hedges, hornbeam hedges tend to be denser and more formal, while beech hedges are looser and more informal.