Upright European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata')

Upright European Hornbeam

15 Gallon

$169.00

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Upright European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’

A classic columnar tree with dense foliage, attractive yellow fall color, and a formal habit that broadens into a vase shape with age.

$169.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' is a classic, columnar deciduous tree prized for its dense, formal shape, strong vertical lines, and attractive foliage. This popular cultivar is one of the earliest and most common hornbeam selections, forming a narrow, columnar crown when young that matures into a broader, oval to pyramidal or vase-shaped form with age. It features smooth, gray, fluted bark and dense, ovate, dark green leaves with sharply serrated margins. In autumn, the foliage turns a clean, attractive yellow to orange-yellow. Adaptable, tough, and tolerant of pruning, it is an outstanding choice for a street tree, avenue planting, privacy screen, or as a focal point in large landscapes and formal gardens.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Bark: Ovate, dark green, sharply serrated leaves (to 5 inches long), turning yellow to orange-yellow in fall; smooth, gray, fluted bark.
Mature Height: 30-40 ft
Mature Spread: 20-30 ft (narrower when young, broadening with age)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-8; Sunset 2-9, 14-17
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Core Benefits: Columnar habit (broader with age), dense foliage, attractive fall color, adaptable, tolerant of pruning.
Best Uses: Street tree, avenue planting, privacy screen, specimen tree, large landscapes, formal gardens.

Q: How large does 'Fastigiata' European Hornbeam get?
A: It is a medium to large tree, typically reaching 30-40 feet in height and 20-30 feet in spread at maturity. It has a narrow, columnar form when young that broadens into a more pyramidal or oval shape with age.

Q: How is it different from 'Frans Fontaine' hornbeam?
A: Both have strong vertical growth, but 'Fastigiata' has a broader, more open crown at maturity(20-30 ft wide), while 'Frans Fontaine' maintains a much narrower, more tightly columnar form(15-20 ft wide). 'Fastigiata' requires more lateral space.

Q: How fast does it grow?
A: It has a slow to moderate growth rate, adding about 1-2 feet per year.

Q: What is the fall color like?
A: The dark green foliage turns a clean, attractive yellow to orange-yellow in autumn.

Q: Is it tolerant of pruning?
A: Yes, it tolerates pruning very well and can be shaped or used as a formal hedge or screen. It is also tolerant of urban conditions, including air pollution and compacted soils.

Q: Is it a good choice for a street tree?
A: Yes, its strong, upright form and adaptability make it an excellent choice for street plantings, avenues, and narrow spaces, especially when young.