WSU Clark County Extension
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Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam

Scientific name: Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’
Taxonomy
Family:Betulaceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:35 ft
Width:20 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Landscape designers are always looking for columnar trees that are widely adapted. This European hornbeam cultivar maintains it narrow upright form through its life.

  Morphology:
The cultivar Fran Fontaine is a hornbeam variant which grows to a height of 40’ but maintains a narrow columnar shape and typically does not exceed 20’ in width. Hornbeam leaves are crisply serrated with straight veins. During the summer season the leaves are green but turn gold in the fall. It has smooth, grey bark that has a muscular look.

Plant managers often take advantage of narrow growth habit of this cultivar by shaping it into hedges, arches or topiary. A tall screen could be created by setting out the plants 5'-10’ apart in row and letting the tree foliage grow together.

  Adaptation:
This a highly adaptable cultivar that can take urban conditions and drought. It would make an ideal selection narrow planting strips.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234