European Hornbeam (hedges) ( Carpinus betulus )
Tree, deciduous broadleaf, broad spreading
Height : 1.6m to 3.5m
Origin : Central and Eastern Europe
Environment : mixed forests; on deep, fertile soils
Climate : temperate
Notes :
The European Hornbeam is a medium sized tree, but in the countryside of the native areas, it is often found in the young, shrubby form, because it is rarely allowed to grow old and tall. It is a species that is hardy and rustic, and resists well to pollution and to pruning. For this reason, it is sometimes used for urban decoration also today, although it’s period of maximum popularity was in the 19th century. Here the species is presented as hedges, created by gardeners using the often multi-branching structure of the young exemplars.