Carpinus betulus Fastigiata, commonly known as Columnar European Hornbeam, is a tightly upright, deciduous tree prized for its formal, architectural shape and dense green foliage. It typically grows 30 to 40 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide, forming a narrow, columnar silhouette that gradually broadens with age. The leaves are dark green and serrated, turning golden-yellow in fall, and the tree’s smooth gray bark adds winter interest. Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ is highly adaptable and tolerant of pruning, making it an excellent choice for hedging, screens, and structured plantings in both residential and urban landscapes.

Why choose Carpinus betulus Fastigiata

Formal, upright shape: Naturally grows in a columnar form with dense branching

Seasonal interest: Golden fall color and smooth bark add year-round appeal

Tolerant and tough: Performs well in urban conditions and handles pruning well

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a range of conditions

Maintenance: Low—can be pruned to maintain formal shape or hedge form

Designs for your garden

Privacy screen or hedge: Ideal for structured borders and space-saving screens

Urban planting: Narrow habit fits tight spaces and along streets

Formal gardens: Use for symmetry, rhythm, or vertical emphasis

Ecological benefits

Bird habitat: Dense foliage provides cover and nesting sites

Air filtering: Tolerates city pollution and improves air quality

Low input: Grows well with minimal fertilizer or irrigation once established

Similar native alternatives

Looking for a native option? Here are three native plants that offer similar seasonal interest and landscape value:

• Liquidambar styraciflua Slendor Silhouette – Sweetgum
• Quercus alba – White Oak
• Juniperus virginiana – Eastern Red Cedar