Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’, commonly known as Columnar European Hornbeam, is a deciduous tree valued for its narrow, upright habit and dense branching. This cultivar typically matures 30 to 40 feet tall while remaining relatively slender, making it well suited for formal landscapes, screens, and tight planting spaces where width is limited.

Medium green, oval leaves emerge in spring and form a dense canopy through the growing season. The strongly upright branching creates a clean, architectural look that works well in linear plantings and structured garden designs. Its compact footprint allows it to function as a living wall or vertical accent without overwhelming nearby plantings.

Columnar European Hornbeam grows best in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. It tolerates pruning and urban conditions well, making it a dependable choice for managed landscapes that require long-term structure and consistent form.

Why choose Columnar European Hornbeam

Narrow form: Fits well in limited spaces
Dense growth: Creates effective visual screening
Formal habit: Strong architectural presence

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soils
Maintenance: Moderate—prune as needed to maintain shape

Designs for your garden

Screens and hedges: Provides vertical separation
Formal landscapes: Complements structured designs
Urban plantings: Suitable for streetscapes and tight sites

Ecological benefits

Shade canopy: Provides seasonal cooling
Low-input tree: Performs reliably once established
Structural value: Adds long-term form and definition

Looking for Native Alternatives?

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’ – Sweetgum: A narrow, upright native shade tree that provides strong vertical structure in tight spaces. It offers long-term canopy value and supports native wildlife.

Quercus alba – White Oak: A large native shade tree valued for its longevity and exceptional ecological importance. It supports a wide range of wildlife and provides enduring landscape structure.

Juniperus virginiana – Eastern Red Cedar: A native evergreen tree with a naturally upright form and year-round screening value. It is highly adaptable and provides shelter and food for wildlife.

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.