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Carpinus japonica (Japanese Hornbeam)
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© Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Carpinus japonica

Japanese Hornbeam

Betulaceae
Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu)

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At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height240-420 inches (600-1050 cm)
Width240-360 inches (600-900 cm)
Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 7
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
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Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Carpinus japonica is the Japanese hornbeam, a deciduous tree growing 240–420 inches (600–1,050 cm / 20–35 feet) tall and 240–360 inches (600–900 cm / 20–30 feet) wide. Dark green ovate strongly corrugated (deeply veined) serrated leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) — the corrugated leaf texture is more pronounced than in C. betulus (European hornbeam) or C. caroliniana (American hornbeam). Orange-red to reddish-brown fall color. Pendant clusters of winged nutlets, each attached to a 3-lobed leafy bract. Smooth gray fluted bark. In the birch family (Betulaceae). The genus name Carpinus derives from Celtic 'car' (wood) and 'pin' (head) — referencing the extremely hard dense wood (historically used for yokes, tool handles, and cog wheels). The spreading wide crown develops a layered horizontal branching pattern. Monoecious: male and female catkins on the same tree in spring. Distinguished from C. betulus by the more strongly corrugated leaves and the smaller mature size. Intolerant of hot humid summers — declines in zones 8+. Consistent moisture. Slow-growing. Native to Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Part shade to full sun. Zones 4–7. Growth rate is slow.

Native Range

Native to Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), growing in mountain forests.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen in zones 4–7. The strongly corrugated leaves, the orange-red fall color, and the smooth gray fluted bark are the three-season features. Intolerant of hot humid summers. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by dark green strongly corrugated (deeply veined) ovate leaves, pendant clusters of winged nutlets with 3-lobed bracts, and smooth gray fluted bark. The corrugated leaf texture distinguishes C. japonica from C. betulus and C. caroliniana. In Betulaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 35'
Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red
brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~1 weeks
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Spring
Mid-spring (April) — inconspicuous greenish catkins. Pendant clusters of winged nutlets with leafy bracts follow. The corrugated foliage and the fall color are the seasonal features.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Dark green, ovate, strongly corrugated (deeply veined), serrated, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); turning orange-red to reddish-brown in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part shade to full sun. Consistent moisture. Intolerant of hot humid summers (zones 8+). Slow-growing. The corrugated leaves and the layered branching are the species features. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4–7.

Pruning

Prune in late fall or winter (November–December) when dormant. The layered horizontal branching develops naturally. Remove dead or crossing branches. Minimal pruning needed.

Pruning Schedule

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fallwinter

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic