Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'

Betulaceae

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'

The narrowest Carpinus betulus cultivar. Remains considerably narrower than 'Fastigiata'. At a height of 10 m the tree is only 3 m wide. This cultivar is often grown on a standard tree but there are specimens that branch out from the ground up. Young twigs are grey: older branches and the trunk are dark grey and remarkably smooth. The leaves are a fresh colour of green in the spring and retain that colour throughout the summer. The leaf has a sharply double serrated edge and the leaf top tapers to a point. The whole tree turns colour to golden yellow in the autumn. Since 'Frans Fontaine' only bears male flowers, the tree does not produce any fruit. Root growth is relatively close to the surface. The rotted leaves are good soil improvers. 'Frans Fontaine' is a worthy avenue and street tree.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Specifications
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Height
10 m
Width
2-3m
Crown
narrow pyramidal to narrow ovoid, compact, dark, dense crown
Bark and branches
bark grey and smooth, twigs grey-brown with short hairs
Leaf
ovoid, bright green, 8 - 10 cm
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
male catkins, green, April-May
Fruits
none, fruitless cultivar
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
makes few demands as regards soil, preference for loamy ground
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil, suitable for wet soil
Paving
tolerates paving
Winter hardiness zone
5a (-28,8 to -26,1 °C)
Wind resistance
very good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Application
avenues and broad streets, narrow streets, parks, squares, cemeteries, industrial areas, large gardens
Shape
clearstem tree, feathered tree
Origin
Plantsoenendienst Eindhoven (Netherlands), approx. 1983
Clear stem tree feathered tree acid soil calcareous soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for shadow suitable for dry soil suitable for wet soil can withstand wind ovoid/egg-shaped 2nd size, between 6 and 12 metres dense crown green green average growing Attractive autumn colour non-toxic (usually) Fruitless cultivar Tree for the future
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Frequently asked questions
Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' can eventually reach a height of 10 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 10 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' blooms in april.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.