European Hornbeam

This adaptive species is often grown as a shield or hedge plant in urban settings, as it grows a thick canopy that extends most of the way to the ground. 

The leaves often have distinct ridging and turn bright yellow/orange in fall. The nut-like fruits mature in a similar fashion to beads on a string in October. The Hornwood, also known as ironwood due to its very strong wood which rarely cracks, is often used to build mallets, wheel cogs, wooden screws and pianos. Because this tree only grows to be 30 feet tall, due to its strong, low growing branches, this tree is perfect for climbing.

Name	European Hornbeam
Latin Name	Carpinus betulus
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety
Commercial Name

More about Tree #74:

Where to find Arbor Walk #74

Data on the space around this tree

Data on this tree over time

More about the European Hornbeam in general:

How to identify European Hornbeam

Relationship of Carpinus betulus to other species in the Arboretum

Global Distribution of European Hornbeam

Additional Resources on the European Hornbeam