Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium) is a rare and elegant small tree that defies the typical maple aesthetic with its distinctive hornbeam-like foliage. Native to Japan, this species grows 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, thriving in hardiness zones 4 through 7. Its most striking feature is its corrugated, ovate-oblong leaves with 18 to 24 pairs of parallel veins, which emerge hairy in spring and mature into glossy bright green before turning brownish-gold each fall. The insignificant flowers arrive in May, but the real draw lies in this tree's architectural form and refined foliage, which brings an unexpected delicacy to the landscape.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-7
360in H x 360in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Each leaf resembles those of a true hornbeam rather than a typical maple, with distinctive parallel venation running from the midrib to double-toothed margins. The young foliage emerges covered in fine hairs before becoming smooth and glossy as summer progresses. This bushy, often multi-trunked tree reaches 20 to 30 feet at maturity and adapts well to full sun or partial shade, growing vigorously in fertile, moist but well-drained soil without serious pest or disease pressure.
Hornbeam Maple serves as a specimen tree and shade tree in residential landscapes where its refined foliage and multi-trunked growth habit become focal points. Its moderate size and low maintenance requirements suit it to gardens where year-round visual interest from spring emergence through fall color is valued.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
No care instructions available yet for this variety.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.