Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a relatively small hardwood tree very similar to Common Beech. It has extremely hard timber.
Useful info about Hornbeam trees
| Latin Name | Carpinus betulus |
| Type | Deciduous (loses its leaves in winter) |
| Height | Can grow up to 10 - 20 metres (35 - 65 feet) |
| Spread | The branches can spread out to 15 - 20 metres (50 - 65 feet) |
| Soil Types Preferred | Chalk, Clay, Limestone, Loam, Sand |
| Locations Suitable | Farmland, Gardens, Hedgerows, Patios |
| Flowers | Catkins in spring |
| Fruit | Small nuts in summer / autumn |
Similar Species
Description
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a relatively small hardwood tree very similar to Common Beech.
The common English name of "hornbeam" derives from the hardness of the wood (likened to horn) and the Old English "beam", meaning tree.
Hornbeam is often mistaken for a Common Beech but can be told apart by the long ribs on its bark, its toothed leaves and its much shorter buds.
It is more drought tolerant than Common Beech so is starting to be planted in hedges where Common Beech has been traditionally used.
The leaves are deciduous, alternate, and simple with a serrated margin, and typically vary from 3–10 cm in length. The flowers are wind-pollinated pendulous catkins, produced in spring. The male and female flowers are on separate catkins, but on the same tree (monoecious). Hornbeam leaves become golden yellow then orange before falling in autumn.
The bark is smooth and grey, with snaky patterns, on a ribbed trunk.
Hornbeam is a small to medium sized tree, typically 10–20 metres tall but occasionally reaching 30 metres.
It is native to most of Europe except for Ireland, northern Britain and most of Scandinavia.
Uses
Hornbeam has the hardest and strongest timber of any tree in Europe. Before iron-working hornbeam was used to make huge cog wheels in windmills and watermills.
It is often used in parquet flooring.
DISCLAIMER
Any uses for trees or tree extracts, whether edible or medicinal, have not been tried or tested by EFORESTS.
Please take caution and seek proper advice before attempting any recipes or medicinal extracts from any of the trees listed on our site.
Culture and Symbolism
Hornbeam trees are believed to represent longevity, strength, and growth.
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