Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
Botanical family: Betulaceae
Carpinus betulus, a native Betulaceae with a characteristic grey, fluted trunk. Not to be confused with the beech: the hornbeam has a doubly toothed leaf, the beech an entire or barely wavy leaf fringed with silky hairs (the French mnemonic “le charme d'Adam, c'est d'être à poil” means hornbeam with teeth, beech with hairs). Sources: Tela Botanica, “Carpinus betulus L.” and “Fagus sylvatica L.” (Coste's flora); RHS, “Carpinus betulus”.
Sun to shade (very tolerant)
Ordinary, cool; tolerates clay and chalk
Moderate once established
Very hardy
Overwinters in your zone
Wind-pollinated (spring catkins)
Role in permaculture
The tree of 'charmilles' (hornbeam hedges): trimmed, it forms dense, durable hedges that keep their dry leaves all winter (marcescence), a windbreak, screen, and refuge for wildlife, even in the bad season. Very tolerant of shade and of trimming, it structures the edges and the understorey of a forest garden. An excellent firewood, it coppices well.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
No food use; mainly of ornamental interest (a clipped hedge that keeps its dry leaves through winter) and for its wood.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to shade (very tolerant) exposure.
- • Ideal soil: ordinary, cool; tolerates clay and chalk.