Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)

Common Name: Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as Hornbeam, Common Hornbeam or European Hornbeam, is a deciduous, broadleaf tree which has pale grey bark with vertical markings, and sometimes a short, twisted trunk which develops ridges with age.

The twigs are brown-grey and slightly hairy and the leaf buds are similar to beech, only shorter and slightly curved at the tips. The leaves are a similar shape to beech – oval with pointed tips. Hornbeam leaves, however, are smaller and more deeply furrowed than beech leaves and have finely toothed edges (whereas beech leaves have wavy edges). They become golden yellow to orange in colour in autumn and most stay on through the winter.

Hornbeam is monoecious, meaning male and female catkins are found on the same tree. After pollination by wind, female catkins develop into papery, green winged fruits, known as samaras. Mature trees can reach a height of 30m and live for more than 300 years.

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