Japanese Hornbeam

Japanese hornbeam (Carpinus japonica, Betulaceae) is a slow-growing deciduous tree from Japan, reaching 20 to 30 feet in cultivation (up to 50 feet in native habitat). It develops a graceful form with dark, glossy, slender leaves bearing 20 to 24 pairs of deeply impressed parallel veins, where every third tooth is whisker-tipped. Ornamental fruiting catkins appear after April bloom. Fall color is a negligible yellow.

Japanese hornbeam grows in full sun to shade with particular tolerance for heavy shade, hardy in Zones 4 to 5. Detailed soil and moisture requirements are sparsely documented in the profile. No cultivars are in the trade, and specific pest and disease data have not been documented. The species is valued primarily as a specimen tree for its distinctive foliage texture.