Hornbeam, European

Carpinus betulus is a European transplant found primarily in southern England where entire forests are comprised of this tree. It is a small to medium-size tree reaching heights of 50–80 ft, rarely 100 ft, and often has a fluted and crooked trunk. Carpinus betulus is a shade-loving tree, which prefers moderate soil fertility and moisture. It has a shallow, wide-spreading root system and is marked by the production of stump sprouts when cut back. Because it stands up well to cutting back and has dense foliage, it has been much used in landscape gardening, mainly as tall hedges and for topiary.

The LEAVES are alternate, 1.5–3.5 in long, with prominent veins giving a distinctive corrugated texture, and a serrated margin.

It is monoecious, and the wind pollinated male and female CATKINS appear in May after the leaves. The FRUIT is a small 0.27–0.32 in long nut, partially surrounded by a three-pointed leafy involucre 1.2–1.6 in long; it matures in autumn. The SEEDS often do not germinate till the spring of the second year after sowing. The hornbeam is a prolific seeder and is marked by vigorous natural regeneration.

The BARK is smooth and greenish-grey, even in old trees. The BUDS unlike those of the beech, are 10 mm long at the most, and pressed close to the twig. The WOOD is heavy and hard, and is used for tools and building constructions. It also burns hot and slowly, making it a very suitable firewood.

The leaves provide food for some animals, including Lepidoptera such as the case-bearer moth Coleophora anatipennella.