Carpinus polyneura
A medium-sized deciduous tree to 15m (50ft) high, with grey older bark and purplish-brown younger twigs and stems. The foliage emerging in spring is reddish-green, maturing to a glossy dark-green in summer. Autumn foliage colour is not very remarkable. The green, male and female catkins are produced separately on the same tree in May to June. After fertilisation, the female flowers develop into hop-like clusters in late summer to autumn, containing winged seeds that disperse on the wind when ripe
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Carpinus are deciduous shrubs and trees with attractive foliage and hop-like fruit clusters in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S China
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most soils, as long as they are reasonably moist and well drained. Cannot tolerate dry soils. Best given shelter from cold winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings in spring and early summer, or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, coral spot and sometimes honey fungus
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