Trees

Carpinus betulus 'Lucas'

Lucas hornbeam

The excellent narrow column of Carpinus betulus 'Lucas' (Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery, Derbyshire, September 2022). Photo: John Grimshaw / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lucas grows into a narrow pyramidal hornbeam, gradually becoming narrowly oval with age. Its relatively large, dark green leaves turn yellow to brownish gold in autumn, and dry leaves often remain for much of winter. Thick twigs and a dense crown give this slender tree a strong presence in formal plantings.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 10 m eventual · Width: 3–4 m eventual
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 5a minimum

Sizes & prices

#15$249.99

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: Green fruiting catkins mature brown
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.
Wind: Supplier lists very good resistance

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

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Moths

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Dark green to golden-brown; dry leaves retained into winter

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

Image notes: The excellent narrow column of Carpinus betulus 'Lucas' (Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery, Derbyshire, September 2022). Photo: John Grimshaw / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

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