Bigleaf Hornbeam
Carpinus cordata (kar-PINE-us kor-DAY-tah)
Bigleaf Hornbeam or Heartleaf Hornbeam is a small to medium-sized, densely branched, slow-growing, deciduous tree. The tree grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide. In its native habitat, Bigleaf Hornbeam may reach 50 feet in height. The tree is frequently used as an understory tree because it thrives in shade. Tolerant of hard pruning, this tree may be used as a hedge or screen. The dense heart-shaped leaves and dark gray bark can be appreciated in any shaded woodland garden. The tree is a member of the Betulaceae or Birch Family. Bigleaf Hornbeam is native to Japan, Korea, China, and Russia. It is typically found in forests and mountain slopes. The genus name, Carpinus, is Latin for "hornbeam." The species name, cordata, references its heart-shaped leaves. The common name, Hornbeam, is derived from "horn," meaning hard, and "beam," meaning tree in Old English. This species prefers moist, well-drained, and organically rich soils. The tree will tolerate full sun, but it thrives in part shade. It has a rounded habit, but it will tolerate pruning for use as a screen or hedge. The leaves are large, dark green, and heart-shaped with doubly serrated margins. The flowers are greenish male and female catkins that are present from May to June. The female catkins produce oblong, cigar-shaped nutlets that are seen from July to August. Bigleaf Hornbeam is an attractive low-maintenance understory tree. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems, though cankers, leaf spots and twig blight occasionally occur.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 56 attributes.
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