Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’ - Columnar Hornbeam - When young, the cultivar ‘Fran Fontaine’ is similar to ‘Fastigiata’ but was selected for its ability to retain its sleek, columnar form into maturity. Long-lived even in tough locations, it matures at 40 to 50 feet tall but spreads only about 20 feet. In ten years it seldom spreads more than 6 to 8 feet while reaching a height of 20 to 25 feet. A handsome tree, the summer foliage is a rich green becoming a gold yellow in autumn.
