Hornbeam

leaves

Description: A sturdy deciduous tree superficially resembling Beech. Height max 30m. Age max 150 years.

Where found: Prefers low lying rich soils or clays and is shade tolerant. Can be coppiced or pollarded and is good for hedges. Natural distribution in South East England, Thames Valley and locally South Wales and Somerset. Also temperate Europe and Asia Minor.

Uses past & present: Extremely hard white close grained wood. Uses of wood - Good firewood and for producing charcoal. Was used
for cogwheels and butchers chopping blocks. Blunts tools. Food and drink - Nuts attractive to birds.

flowers	leaves	fruit	ripen	fall
Mar	Apr/May	Sept	Oct/Nov	Nov/April