Upright Hornbeam, Narrow, Formal & Elegant
Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’, commonly known as the Upright Hornbeam, is a strong, elegant deciduous tree prized for its narrow upright habit and formal appearance. It develops a dense framework of ascending branches with fresh green foliage through spring and summer, followed by attractive golden-yellow tones in autumn. Its tidy structure makes it an excellent choice for avenues, screening, feature planting, and landscapes where height is needed without excessive width.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ |
| Common Name | Upright Hornbeam |
| Plant Type | Deciduous tree |
| Mature Height | 10–15m |
| Mature Width | 4–6m |
| Growth Habit | Upright, columnar becoming oval with age |
| Foliage | Mid-green, serrated leaves |
| Autumn Colour | Golden yellow |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil | Adaptable, prefers well-drained soil |
| Water Needs | Moderate once established |
| Frost Tolerance | High |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Low, responds well to pruning |
| Uses | Screening, avenues, feature tree, formal planting |
Why choose Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’?
- Upright, narrow growth habit
- Excellent formal feature tree
- Deciduous foliage with golden autumn colour
- Great for screening, avenues, and large garden structure
- Hardy and adaptable in a range of soils
- Responds well to pruning and shaping
Ideal growing conditions
Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ grows best in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, though it is adaptable to a wide range of conditions once established. It is a hardy, low-maintenance tree that suits temperate gardens and can tolerate urban conditions well.
Landscape uses
Perfect for formal gardens, driveway planting, boundary definition, screening, and feature planting, Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ is a dependable choice when you need vertical impact and seasonal beauty.
Excellent formal feature tree
Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ is a narrow upright deciduous tree ideal for screening, avenue planting, and formal landscapes. With dense green foliage, golden autumn colour, and a tidy vertical growth habit, Upright Hornbeam is a hardy and elegant choice for Australian gardens needing structure and seasonal appeal.
