European Hornbeam Carpinus betulus 10 Seeds USA Company

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as European hornbeam, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a description of its key features:

Appearance: European hornbeam is a medium to large-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 15 to 25 meters (50 to 80 feet), although exceptionally old specimens can reach heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet). It has a dense, rounded crown with a symmetrical shape. The bark is smooth and gray when young, becoming fissured and developing a muscle-like texture with age.

Leaves: The leaves of Carpinus betulus are alternate, simple, and ovate with serrated margins. They are typically dark green in color and have a glossy surface. In autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow, orange, or reddish-brown before falling from the tree.

Flowers: European hornbeam produces inconspicuous flowers in spring, before the leaves emerge. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, arranged in catkins that hang down from the branches. They are wind-pollinated.

Fruit: The fruit of Carpinus betulus is a small nutlet enclosed in a leafy bract. The bracts are arranged in clusters and persist on the tree after the leaves have fallen, adding visual interest to the winter landscape.

Habitat: European hornbeam is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and moisture conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils with adequate moisture. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade and is often found in woodlands, hedgerows, and parks.

Cultivation: Carpinus betulus is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree for its attractive foliage, dense canopy, and tolerance of urban conditions. It is often used as a shade tree, hedge, or specimen tree in gardens, parks, and streetscapes. European hornbeam is relatively slow-growing but long-lived, with some specimens living for several hundred years.