Handsomely corrugated leaves hold their deep green color through the heat of summer and turn to rich yellow in autumn. Very narrow in youth, Frans Fontaine retains its slender form into maturity. Drought tolerant once established, it is adaptable to varied growing conditions and performs well in acid as well as alkaline soils. A top choice for a creating a formal allée or a tall narrow hedge for screening unwanted views.
‘Frans Fontaine’ European Hornbeam is more columnar than Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’, but is equally resilient in urban and suburban conditions. The narrower habit makes Carpinus ‘Frans Fontaine’ a good candidate for narrower spaces or street tree applications. The fall color of the tidy foliage is a clear yellow, and winter interest is provided by the upright, densely branched form. Since all Carpinus varieties are a fall digging hazard, container production makes the planting season much longer.
Zone: 5
Mature Height: 40 ft.
Mature Spread: 20 ft. wide
Landscape Characteristics
Classification by Use
The narrower habit makes Carpinus ‘Frans Fontaine’ a good candidate for narrower spaces or street tree applications.
