Carpinus betulus Hornbeam (Betulaceae) Deciduous tree

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Carpinus betulus
Hornbeam
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Carpinus betulus plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Betulaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hornbeam.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Carpinus betulus
Common Name:  Hornbeam
Family:  Betulaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  25   Mature Width:  20

Habitat:  Woodlands and hedgerows on sandy or clay loams[17], preferring heavier soils[13].

Cultivation Notes: Thrives in any good loam, including chalk[1, 11], it does not demand much light[186]. Prefers a deep open loam[1] and does well on damp clays[186]. Succeeds in all but the most acid soils[186]. Dormant trees are very cold tolerant, the young growth is not usually damaged by late spring frosts[186]. The trees cast a deep shade[98, 186]. A very ornamental plant[1]. Trees are shallow-rooted[7]. The hornbeam has 28 species of associated insects[24]. Trees take 10 - 20 years from seed before they produce seed[98] and about 100 years to reach maturity[186]. At one time this tree was commonly pollarded or coppiced for its wood and for fuel[11, 13, 186].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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