Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus · Betulaceae · also European hornbeam, Common hornbeam
A tough tree of up to 30 m with fluted grey trunk, pleated oval leaves and papery winged nutlets eaten by hawfinches. It is the hedging, pleaching and pollarding tree of choice because it tolerates hard clipping, clay and shade, and young hedges keep their brown leaves through winter. Widely planted as a street tree in continental Europe and increasingly in Britain.
Broadleaf, drops leavesMedium growthSun or part shadeModerate water
Where it stands
Care
Plant bare-root in winter; very forgiving once established. Clip hedges in late summer; pollard or prune in winter. Few problems; grey squirrels strip bark and Phytophthora species can affect it. Very hard wood burns and turns well.
Benefits
ShadeWildlifeBirdsFall colorLong livedStorm resistant
Good for
HedgerowStreet treeScreeningparksTimber