Trees

Carpinus betulus 'Columnaris Nana'

Dwarf columnar European hornbeam

Columnaris Nana European hornbeam planted in 1996 at Mariemont Park, Belgium; photographed September 20, 2018. Photo: Guillaume Mamdy / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Columnaris Nana creates a dense, slow-growing upright hornbeam with a compact footprint. Dark green leaves turn golden in autumn, and spring catkins develop into decorative fruit clusters. Its naturally restrained outline needs little pruning as a small tree, although hornbeam also responds to trimming when used in a formal planting.

At a glance

Sun: Partial sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 10–15 ft after many years · Width: About half its height after many years
Water: Average to moist
Hardiness: USDA zone 5

Sizes & prices

#10$299.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Major issues: Usually few serious problems; leaf spots and squirrel bark stripping can occur.
Use: Compact architectural specimen; formal planting
Form: Dense, dwarf upright crown
Growth rate: Slow
Fruit / litter: Species-type dry nutlets and leafy bracts; fruiting varies with age and flowering.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Grower lists the species as deer resistant; young growth can still be browsed.
Drought: Parent-species guidance: Tolerates some drought after establishment; water during prolonged dry spells.
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Occasional wetness tolerated; do not assume tolerance of permanent flooding.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Moths

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Dark green, golden in autumn
Fruit: Hop-like clusters

Growing & care

Pruning: Keep the cultivar's narrow framework; selectively shorten drooping or crossing branches. Hornbeam tolerates clipping when deliberately trained as a hedge.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; brief dry periods tolerated; occasional wetness tolerated

Sources & photo credits

dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org

NVK Nurseries

NC State Extension

Pleasant Run Nursery

Photo: Guillaume Mamdy / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Columnaris Nana European hornbeam planted in 1996 at Mariemont Park, Belgium; photographed September 20, 2018. Photo: Guillaume Mamdy / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.