Source: Wikimedia Commons
Loose-flower hornbeam
BeginnerCarpinus laxiflora
A deciduous hornbeam whose new shoots, young leaves and autumn foliage flush red. Called 'aka-soro' in bonsai, it has the smallest leaves and finest twigs among the hornbeams, offering interest from spring budbreak to winter silhouette.
About
Carpinus laxiflora (aka-shide) is a deciduous tree of the birch family, native to southern Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu north of Yakushima, the Korean Peninsula and China, common in low-mountain woodland. The name refers to its red buds, young leaves and autumn colour; bonsai growers call it 'akame-soro' or 'aka-soro'. In the wild it reaches 10–15 m, but its twigs are slender and its leaves, 4–8 cm with long-pointed tips, are the smallest in the genus, making it good material for deciduous bonsai. Autumn colour ranges from yellow to red, deepest on sunny leaves. It differs from the similar C. tschonoskii ('shiro-soro') in its smaller, reddish-tinged leaves and petioles, hairless leaves and fewer (usually 12 or fewer) lateral veins. It is also a different species from Iwashide and Korean hornbeam, other hornbeams used for bonsai. With age the bark develops the vertical 'shide-me' pattern, adding winter interest. Shoots extend readily, so fine ramification is built by pinching and pruning in the growing season. Cuttings and part-trained material are available in the trade.
Size of the Loose-flower hornbeam
The Loose-flower hornbeam grows to 10–15 m in the wild (bonsai size depends on styling).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (southern Hokkaido to Kyushu), Korean Peninsula, China
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
10–15 m in the wild (bonsai size depends on styling)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (April–October, except the rainy season and midsummer)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Outdoors in sun and good airflow; give part shade in summer to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water thoroughly when the surface dries; watch closely from budbreak through summer
Temperature & overwintering
Hardy; give it a proper cold winter but shelter from freezing wind and frost. After leaf fall it does not need light
Soil & repotting
Akadama alone or mixed with kanuma. Repot every 2 years when young, 3 when mature, in early spring or autumn
Fertilizer
Solid fertilizer monthly April–October, skipping the rainy season and midsummer
Pruning & styling
Once leaves open, pinch back to 2–3 leaves. Cut vigorous shoots May–September and shape overall in Feb–March
Pests & cautions
Watch for aphids, scale, leaf rollers and powdery mildew in the rainy season. It is native—choose nursery-grown plants, not wild-dug ones
Loose-flower hornbeam FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Loose-flower hornbeam?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Loose-flower hornbeam get?
The mature size of Loose-flower hornbeam is 10–15 m in the wild (bonsai size depends on styling). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Loose-flower hornbeam?
Loose-flower hornbeam: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (April–October, except the rainy season and midsummer). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Loose-flower hornbeam?
The price of Loose-flower hornbeam varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Choose cultivated plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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