Carpinus japonica
Japanese Hornbeam
Pronunciation
car-PINE-us
Family
Genus
Nativity
Japan
Growth Habit
Small tree with spreading branches.
Hardiness
4
Culture
Grows best in shady, moist locations.
Landscape Use
Performs best as an understory tree.
Foliage
Alternate, simple, 2 to 4.5 inches long, .75 to 1.75 inches wide, ovate to oblong shape, acuminate apex, margin is doubly serrate, base rounded or cordate shape.
Bark
Shallowly furrowed and scaly.
Flower
Unique green flowers in spring.
Fruit
Brown catkins are 2-2.5 inches long and have overlapping papery bracts.
Propagation
Seed or cuttings.
Pests
None serious.