Hornbeam is a favorite tree for the art of pleaching, which is a form of topiary on a monstrous scale. This species withstands frequent shearing and is often planted into allees in Britain.
An attractive, densely branched, columnar tree when young, aging into a stately, broad cone shape with handsome, fluted, gray bark. Distinctive, dark green foliage turns yellow-orange in fall. Plant in groups as a screen or windbreak, or use as a specimen in a narrow yard or street side. Takes well to hard pruning as a formal hedge. Deciduous.
