Tree sponsorship available Hornbeam // Carpinus betulus Hornbeam

The hornbeam or white beech (Carpinus betulus) is a tree up to twenty metres tall and a common tree species in our Central European deciduous and mixed forests. It belongs to the birch family (Betulaceae). The smooth silver-grey bark is characteristic. Hornbeams take around 20 years to flower for the first time. The inflorescences are small hanging catkins, as is typical for a birch plant.

Hornbeams are robust and can survive longer dry periods well. The species prefers a sunny to semi-shady location. The leaves provide important food for caterpillars and beetles, such as the now rare cockchafer.