Trees

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'

Frans Fontaine hornbeam

Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' in a private garden near Wolverhampton, UK. 1 May 2026. Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Frans Fontaine forms a narrow, upright hornbeam that remains slimmer than many common columnar selections. Fresh green leaves hold their color through summer before turning golden yellow in autumn. Smooth grey bark supports the dense crown, and this male-flowering cultivar does not develop the fruit clusters found on other hornbeams.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 10 m eventual · Width: 3 m at 10 m height
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 5a minimum

Sizes & prices

#20European Columnar Hornbeam - a perfect type$349.99

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

Use: Narrow street tree; architectural specimen
Form: Narrow pyramidal to narrow oval
Growth rate: Moderate
Fruit / litter: Male-flowering cultivar; fruitless
Major issues: Usually few serious problems; leaf spots and squirrel bark stripping can occur.

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: Green to golden yellow; deciduous
Fruit: Male flowers only; no fruit

Growing & care

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

Sources & photo credits

Van den Berk Nurseries

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Pleasant Run Nursery

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

Image notes: Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' in a private garden near Wolverhampton, UK. 1 May 2026. Photo: Tom Christian / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

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