Frans Fontaine European Hornbeam has forest green foliage throughout the season. The glossy pointy leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant. The smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
A Frans Fontaine Hornbeam will grow to be about 30 feet tall when it reaches maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. This tree has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It will grow at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 120 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for your great grandchildren.
