Carpinus betulus 'Pyramidalis'

Carpinus betulus 'Pyramidalis', the pyramidal hornbeam, is a selected form of common hornbeam known for its elegant, slender outline.

Characteristics
A medium sized deciduous tree with a narrow, pyramidal shape, growing with slender symmetry to about 12-15 m in height and 4-5 m wide at the base. The leaves are oval and toothed, bright green in summer with golden yellow to orange tones in autumn, densely set along the branches to form a full, shady crown; dry leaves are often held through winter. The trunk and older branches have smooth, light grey, fluted bark.

Growing and care
Sun or partial shade and any fresh, well drained soil, including clay and calcareous ground; very hardy and tolerant of urban conditions. It responds extremely well to clipping: prune in late summer to keep the outline tight.

Uses
Streets and avenues where space is limited, formal accents, tall clipped screens and hedges on stilts, and architectural planting in contemporary gardens.