Frans Fontaine Hornbeam is primarily valued in the landscape for its rigidly columnar form. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The glossy pointy leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall. The smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Frans Fontaine Hornbeam is a dense deciduous tree with a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.