Korean Hornbeam ( Carpinus turczaninowii ) is a deciduous, hard wood tree that is native to Korea, Japan and China. Hornbeam’s get their common name from the hardness of their wood, which has been likened to horn. Carpinus turczaninowii have a full and densely leaved canopy, making them a great ornamental shade tree. They are also quite popular as a bonsai but rare to see here in Australia.
The Korean Hornbeam doesn’t need much regarding maintenance, they generally grow into a neat, well-rounded tree naturally.
Growth
Carpinus turczaninowii grows from 6 to 12 metres, with a spread of up to 10 metres. The leaves are dark green, have serrated edges and are deeply veined, like a birch leaf (as they are related); but are ovate-lanceolate in shape and approximately 5 cm’s in length. Deciduous in Autumn, the leaves turn a rich yellow-orange and red.
This species grows in temperate regions naturally, growing in most soil types but preferring a well-drained, loamy soil in a full sun or part shade position. Korean Hornbeam are also fairly wind, drought and heat tolerant once established.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Betulaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold – Temperate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-18 to 32°C / -4 to 90°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain moisture.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 12 metres (40 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated – Monoecious (both male and female catkins are found on the same tree)
MATURITY:
10-20 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-83% dependent on length of cold stratification period.
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Fairly Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 88
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CARPINUS TURCZANINOWII
The Korean Hornbeam is a very popular as bonsai specimen in Korea.
Hornbeam is nick named ‘ironwood’ due to its very hard timber that has been used to make tool handles, coach wheels, traditional windmills, and chess pieces.
