Ostrya carpinifolia European hop hornbeam

Betulaceae

Ostrya carpinifolia European hop hornbeam

A slow-growing tree with a funnel-shaped crown when young. Later the main trunk splits and side branches grow out widely so that the crown becomes more rounded. Eventually it can attain a width of more than 12 m. The short trunk is grey-brown, grooved and flakes off in small plates. The trunk becomes steadily darker in older trees. Young twigs are bare and olive-green. The ovoid to oval leaves have a double serrated edge and turn yellow in autumn. Ostrya produces abundant flowers in the form of yellowish-green male catkins approximately 4 - 6 cm long and unremarkable female flowers in small ears. Once fertilised the latter turn into fruit resembling a hop and are approx. 6 cm long. Likes a warm and sheltered site and grows in any soil, even very dry soils.
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
14 - 16 (20) m
Width
8-15m
Crown
broad ovoid to rounded, dark, dense crown
Bark and branches
brown-grey, grooved, branches olive-green
Leaf
ovoid to oval, green, double serrated leaf edge, 5 - 10 cm
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
yellow-green catkins, ♂ approx. 4 - 6 cm, ♀ catkins shorter, April
Fruits
nutlets, in fruit resembling hops
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
likes calcareous soil
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates paving
Winter hardiness zone
5b (-26,0 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Application
avenues and broad streets
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Southern Europe, Asia Minor
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates paving light-loving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for dry soil can withstand wind broad ovoid 1st size , taller than 12 metres dense crown green yellowgreen average growing Attractive autumn colour non-toxic (usually) Ornamental fruit Tree for the future
Possibly of interest
Frequently asked questions
Ostrya carpinifolia

Ostrya carpinifolia can eventually reach a height of 14 - 16 (20) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Ostrya carpinifolia is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 14 - 16 (20) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Ostrya carpinifolia turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Ostrya carpinifolia is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Ostrya carpinifolia 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.

Ostrya carpinifolia 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.