Botanical sheet about hornbeam, Carpinus betulus
The hornbeam is the most widespread tree in France, especially in the plains and plateaus of the north and east of the country. It is often confused with the beech, which it differs by its toothed leaves and its fluted trunk.
Description of the hornbeam
The hornbeam is a forest tree that can live between 100 and 150 years. It grows slowly and can sometimes reach 20 to 25 meters in height. It is a species that appreciates semi-shaded exposures and tolerates well the cover of large trees.
The dense deciduous foliage of the hornbeam falls late in the winter. The male and female flowers (catkins) are distinct and grow on the same tree (monoecious plant). They bloom during the months of April and May and it is the wind that ensures the pollination, as well as being responsible, thereafter, for the dispersion of the seeds.
Fruiting is regular and abundant.
Enemies of the Hornbeam
The hornbeam is a very sensitive tree to wounds. These wounds are entry points for bacteria and pathogenic fungi responsible for the development of rots.
The thin bark of the hornbeam makes it vulnerable to the "heat strokes" that can be caused by possible burns at its foot.
The qualities of hornbeam
The hornbeam is a tree rather resistant to diseases.
It is a light wood that does not keep well outdoors. Hard and heavy, it is however resistant to shocks. This quality makes it ideal for the manufacture of tool and umbrella handles, billiard sticks and mallets. In the past, it was also used to make most butcher's stalls.
Hornbeam provides a famous firewood that burns slowly, with a bright flame. It also produces a very good charcoal.
Tip
If you want to plant a hornbeam in your garden, do so in the fall. Give it generous waterings in dry, warm weather and mulch the base of new plantings for two to three years with a bed of fibrous compost.
