This small deciduous tree has a short upright greyish-fluted trunk with spreading branches that form a compact rounded crown. It has dark green pointed oval leaves that turn orange-red during autumn and rusty-red pendant male flowers appear in spring.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Carpinus laxiflora is naturally found in Hokkaido to Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu extending west to Korea grown in woodlands on the coast and in the lower mountains. 

It prefers an open sunny position but will tolerate some shade and grows in well-drained moist, organic rich light to heavy soils that are tending acidic pH 4.5 - 7.5. It is frost and drought tolerant.

The Japanese Loose-flowered Hornbeam is grown for attractive autumn foliage and habit. It is planted along borders for screening or used in parks and gardens as a small shade tree. It is suitable to coastal and low mountain regions establishing in 4-6 years and is long-lived. This tree is commonly used as a bonsai subject. ID 2683

Carpinus (kar-PINE-us) laxiflora ( LAX-ee-FLOH-rah)

Betulaceae (BE-tul-AY-see-ee)
Birch