The Columnar European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Pyramidalis’) is a medium-sized ornamental tree. It has a narrow canopy when young but it broadens with age, its dense branches broadening out into an aesthetically pleasing neat pyramidal form. Its dark green foliage is serrated and turns into a pleasant yellow-orange in the fall. The classic smooth gray and fluted hornbeam bark surrounds the hardwood central leader and makes for an interesting winter look.

The Pyramidal European Hornbeam is an older cultivar of hornbeam. This cultivar is unique in its ability to take pruning very well and having a sharp, natural pyramid form that gives it an orderly appearance. Often planted in groups and used as alleys but can also stand alone as a nice accent piece to a well kept garden. Does best in full sun to partial shade and can withstand a variety of soil types.