Leaf Identification
The European Hornbeam has asymmetrical ovate-shaped leaves with serrated margins that are up to 5″ long. They are a dark green and turn a bright yellow/orange color in the fall.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig is greenish brown with numerous white lenticels (pores) and spread-out long white hairs along the twig reaching the bud. The bud has multiple brown scales, sparse hairs, and is elongated at its tip.
Bark Identification
The European Hornbeam has gray bark with muscle-like fluting.
Fruit Identification
The European Hornbeam has drooping nutlet clusters in 3-lobed bracts that are around 5″ long. They ripen in summer.
[photo forthcoming]
Flower Identification
The European Hornbeam are monoecious. The male flowers have yellow, 1 1/2″ catkins, and the female flowers have greenish, 3″ long catkins. These flowers appear in early spring.
[photo forthcoming]