European Hornbeam
ExploreTrees
European Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
The European Hornbeam is a strong tree with a smooth gray bark and lovely green leaves. It grows in a neat, tall shape.
Habitat: Deciduous forests and parks
Appearance
The European Hornbeam has a distinctive fluted, grey trunk and finely toothed, oval green leaves that turn golden-yellow in autumn. Its unique hop-like, hanging clusters of winged seeds make it stand out, differing from the smooth bark and shiny leaves of a Beech tree.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyBetulaceaeGenusCarpinus
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its winged seeds spin like tiny helicopters as they fall, helping them travel far!
Its wood is so strong, it was prized for making durable wagon wheels and tool handles!
People trim Hornbeams into incredible green hedges that can be taller than a house!
The tree's ribbed trunk looks like powerful muscles flexing just beneath its bark!
Special abilities
Ability
Winter Leaf Protector
European Hornbeam has 'marcescence,' holding onto its brown leaves through winter, which can provide shelter for small creatures and protect buds from frost.
Ability
Wind Resistor
Its incredibly tough, fluted trunk allows it to withstand strong winds and heavy snow, acting like natural buttresses for stability.
Ability
Rapid Regenerator
European Hornbeam can be heavily pruned and shaped, allowing it to regenerate quickly and form dense hedges or living fences.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-25 m
- Canopy Spread
- 8-15 m
- Edible
- No
- Trunk Diameter
- 50-80 cm
- Lifespan
- 150-250 years
- Fruit Type
- Winged nutlets
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eats
Eurasian Red Squirrel
Sciurus vulgaris
Its nuts are a vital winter food source.
eats
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebs
Feeds on its small winged seeds.
eaten by
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
Deer browse its young shoots and leaves.
symbiotic with
Bluish Russula
Russula cyanoxantha
Forms beneficial root connections.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Hornbeam
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is European Hornbeam?
15-25 m
How wide does European Hornbeam spread?
8-15 m
Is European Hornbeam edible?
No
How big is European Hornbeam?
50-80 cm
How long does European Hornbeam live?
150-250 years
Where is European Hornbeam usually found?
Deciduous forests and parks
What kind of fruit does European Hornbeam produce?
Winged nutlets
How fast does European Hornbeam grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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