Hornbeam, Carpinus betulusMany cultivars are available, including pendulous and pyramidal forms. Sources of seed and plants Native to England south of a line from the Wash to the Bristol Channel. It has been planted in most parts of Britain and thrives in Wales, northern England and on the eastern side of Scotland. The best trees are found in Kent and Sussex where hornbeam usually grows in mixture with beech, hazel, Pedunculate oak, Wild cherry and Wych elm. Seed should be collected from trees with straight persistent, cylindrical stems. Silviculture Strongly shade bearing and also casts a dense shade. Hornbeam is occasionally planted pure but is essentially a tree of mixed woodland. Soil types Usually grows well on damp but not wet clays. It will thrive on acid brown earths and soils derived from chalk and limestone. Rate of growth and yield Young trees usually grow slowly with slender, closely spread branches forming a rounded crown. In woodlands the stem is moderately straight but tends to be buttressed, fluted and oval in section. On fertile soils it grows more rapidly to heights of 15 to 20 metres with stem diameters of 90 to 120 cms and boles up to 6 metres long. Hornbeam is not long lived and trees older than 150 to 200 years are often in decline. Protection and resistance Resistant to late spring frosts so it can be planted in frost hollows where beech would not succeed. It is moderately tolerant of atmospheric pollution but can be planted only in towns with cleaner air. Hornbeam is useful in the shrub layer of shelterbelts but is only moderately resistant to exposure. Because it tolerates clipping it makes an excellent thick hedge which retains its leaves during the winter. It is not often damaged by grey squirrels. Establishing and tending Hornbeam requires care in planting. It fruits freely and coppices strong. Timber properties A diffuse porous wood, fine and even in texture, it is dull white in colour and marked with greyish streaks and flecks due to the broad medullary rays. The sapwood is not easily distinguishable from the heartwood. Commonly crossgrained the timber is classed as heavy (750 kg/m3 seasoned) a and is as strong as beech. Hornbeam dries well and fairly rapidly. Clear timber is very good for bending, good for turning and for staining and polishing. The heartwood is perishable but permeable to preservatives. Amenity value A moderately tall, elegant tree with good yellow autumn colour. Its good qualities are becoming recognised in northern English towns and cities. Conservation The fruits are attractive to birds and squirrels. Only 28 species of insects are dependent on hornbeam for food. Timber value A hard, tough timber that finish very smoothly so is used in musical instruments, turnery, pulleys, skittles and Indian clubs. Economic appraisal Hornbeam may be used in place of beech on clay soils or where hardiness to frost is required. It has good qualities as an amenity tree and for hedging. It is sometimes grown beneath oak to control epicormic branch growth on the oak stems. |
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