Deciduous tree Hornbeam: description and conditions for growing

The hornbeam is not some kind of exotic in our country - this tree can easily be found in city parks and in any deciduous forest, where the hornbeam is sure to be the first to catch your eye. Not everyone recognizes it, but this spreading and tall plant has many varieties, which everyone in our forests is sure to see.

The etymology of the name of the plant is difficult to establish - there is an opinion that the word “hornbeam” comes from the Indian “scratching”, because the tree is distinguished by really dense wood, from which parts of machine tools and mills were once made.

Description

The hornbeam is a powerful, tall tree, which in some cases can reach a height of up to 25 meters with a large trunk up to 40 cm in diameter. The dense crown of the hornbeam is usually twisted at the top and has a silver-gray color. The leaves are oval in shape, oblong but rounded at the base, approximately 15 cm long on long petioles.

And thin long branches tend to hang down in the spring, and take on a straight shape in the summer.

Hornbeam is a monoecious plant - its buds are quite sharp in shape, long (up to 6 cm) and narrow with variegated bract scales.

The root system of this tree is particularly branched - and it is usually located at a fairly close distance to the soil surface, and the roots sometimes even extend outside the soil.

The trunk of the plant is usually covered with various cracks and bumps - only young seedlings have a smooth bark surface. Moreover, with age, the trunk becomes bent - and becomes unsuitable for the removal of valuable wood.

Appearance

Rhinestone hornbeam can be recognized by its bark - it is smooth and quite light in color. And if, in addition to such bark, there is spreading openwork foliage and a crown, there is no doubt that this is definitely a hornbeam. Hornbeam is often used by designers in landscape art and urban park ensembles, since its foliage has one important quality - it can be trimmed without any problems and can take any shape.

The foliage of the hornbeam on the underside is usually fleecy and slightly pubescent - depending on the type of plant, it can be of different sizes - from 5 to 20 cm. In autumn, the crown of the trees acquires a bright color of a wide variety of colors - from yellow to purple.

Hornbeam is a monoecious plant - it has female and male catkins, which appear along with the first foliage and are capable of self-pollinating. And after pollination, the earrings fall off, and in their place fruits appear - small, small nuts. They are quite light and per kilogram of such fruits you can count up to three tens of thousands.

Application

From a functional point of view, the hornbeam is known from two sides:

1. Exceptionally high pruning tolerance. Thanks to its dense branching and intensively developing root shoots, this tree becomes one of the most commonly used for creating tall hedges. With its help, you can arbitrarily form various geometric shapes, sculptures, alleys with vaults, etc.
2. A very valuable, extremely hard, heavy wood called "ironwood" is also used.

The common hornbeam is most often used to create hedges. The plant is resistant to strong winds and attractive from spring to late autumn. It creates dense, compact, living walls that are difficult to pass through, and protects well from dust, noise, and strong wind. The plant loves shady exposures, so it is suitable for hedges in different places - behind the house, in areas where there is little sun.

The disadvantage of a hornbeam fence is the loss of leaves during the winter, which is why the fence loses its ability to protect from the eyes of passers-by. Not everyone likes the brown hornbeam leaves left in winter, but the yellow walls in autumn are very picturesque.

The tree works well as a tapeworm - a single plant. In this case, varieties such as “Pendula” and “Variegata” are especially valuable.

The tree should be added to tree and shrub compositions of a forest nature. The hornbeam brings naturalness to the garden, provides shade, and is a refuge for wild animals. It fits into the garden regardless of style. This is a valuable plant for summer cottages. Hornbeam wood is suitable for carpentry and as fuel.

Kinds

Hornbeam is a common plant, and there are a large number of its varieties:

• European, or common, which is found throughout mainland Europe. A tall plant with a natural ovoid crown shape.
• Cordifolia, or seaside - its feature can be called transparent leaves, ideal for gardens and parks. Such a hornbeam is able to provide a sufficient amount of shade without depriving shrubs and other plants in the lower part of sunlight.
• Carolina, or North American - this plant does not like shade and low temperatures and requires a large amount of moisture. Therefore, it grows exclusively on the banks of reservoirs. And it does not reach large sizes.
• Virginsky, which is preferred by designers and decorators for its unusual crown.
• Caucasian hornbeam, which has a unique curved trunk and the ability to protect the soil from washing out and subsidence processes. Usually grows on mountain slopes.
• Black, or decorative hornbeam, native to Asia (Japan), suitable for decorating exotic bonsai.

Varieties

There are several varieties of the plant:

• The common hornbeam grows in the forests and gardens of Europe. Prefers a moderate sunny climate. The height of this species is about 20 m.
• Eastern hornbeam is most often found on the Crimean Peninsula and the Caucasus. The crown shape is round and the height is about 10 m.
• Caucasian hornbeam also grows in the Crimea and parts of Asia Minor. This species is distinguished by its small height of only 6 m.

The height of Virginia hornbeam does not exceed 12 meters. It is very decorative and whimsical. Carolina hornbeam can be found along the rivers and lakes of North America. The height of this species varies from 6 to 12 meters. A special feature of this species is the heavily ribbed tree trunk.

Habitat

In the wild, the hornbeam's habitat covers a large area - almost all of Europe, Asia, the Caucasus and the countries of the Iranian Plateau. It usually grows in mixed-type deciduous forests - and sometimes forms single-species forests. As a rule, it occupies the second tier of forests - but sometimes it can rise quite high - up to two thousand meters above the sea.

Hornbeam is a tree from the birch family, which is popularly called round timber for its lush and dense foliage. Over many years of life, a tree can reach a decent height - and the diameter of the trunk will remain not so impressive (up to 500 cm).

However, large and powerful specimens of this plant remained mainly only in the wild state. In the landscape design of parks and squares, hornbeams are usually pruned as soon as they reach a height of about 6 meters.

Hornbeams prefer loose, swampy soils for their habitat and are characterized by heat-loving properties - its winter hardiness is at a rather low level.

Growing conditions

Hornbeam is a shade-loving species and can grow in partial shade or shade. After beech, this is one of the best shade-tolerant species. Ornamental varieties usually have slightly higher lighting requirements than natural varieties.

A tree with low soil requirements, very adaptable to various growing conditions. The species tolerates a variety of soil types, including light and sandy.

Optimal for hornbeam soil:

• fertile, humus;
• moderately humid (but not swampy);
• clayey-sandy;
• neutral or slightly alkaline, preferably calcareous.

The tree tolerates short-term flooding. It is a frost-resistant species, but can be damaged by snowless winters and weather anomalies.

Planting and care

For ideal growth and development, hornbeam needs moist soil that contains a large amount of lime. But at the same time, it is advisable to avoid too much watering and large amounts of water when growing hornbeam. These trees are shade-tolerant and will calmly withstand winds and other precipitation. However, like any plant, hornbeam loves a sunny climate and flat areas.

This tree will feel great in coniferous forests, open areas, and even mountain ranges. Although the preferred habitat is sunny clearings, characterized by moist, but fairly soft soil.

For hornbeam, compacted, compacted soil with a high level of salinity can be a serious challenge. The plant thrives in urban conditions and tolerates frost well, but in the summer heat it requires careful watering.

In general, this culture is not capricious - and will calmly survive any neighborhood; except that it is better to plant the heat-loving Carolina species next to an oak tree, if the opportunity arises.

But together with the hornbeam it is better to plant low shrubs - for example, jasmine or juniper, which will help form a nice composition for any (not just design!) needs.

Reproduction

Hornbeam is one of the trees that does not grow quickly. To grow a formed tree with fruits.

There are three ways to propagate a tree: seeds, cuttings and layering.

Seed propagation is more popular, since it is easier and more productive, but at the same time it also takes the longest time.

Seeds are planted in the autumn, and the germinated sprouts are planted in the soil. Once the trees reach a height of 1 meter, they can be pruned. Hornbeam is resistant to diseases, pests and insects.

Diseases

Hornbeam is characterized by typical diseases of any trees: shoot rot, cancer formations, and, of course, leaf spotting.

Fungal infections in this tree are usually treated with the use of herbicides, but cancer, which the marsupial fungus is quite capable of causing (with ulcerative manifestations), unfortunately, cannot be treated. Usually in this case the tree is destroyed with mandatory burning of wood.

In the case of brown spot, it is enough to spray the plant with a solution of copper sulfate.

If we are talking about insect pests that the hornbeam should be afraid of, then they simply do not exist. Basically, the bugs prefer to attack the forest neighbors of this powerful tree.

Benefits for the body

Hornbeam has beneficial properties that allow it to be used not only in alternative, but also in conservative medicine. The leaves of the tree contain the following substances:

• acids (gallic and caffeic);
• coumarins;
• aldehydes;
• tanning compounds;
• flavonoids.

In addition, essential oils and ascorbic acid are present in the foliage and bark of the plant. Hornbeam fruits contain healthy fats. Decoctions and tinctures made from them have a positive effect on gastrointestinal disorders. Medicines are made from the flowers of the tree to treat pathologies of the circulatory system and brain tumors.

Doctors note the benefits of using drugs from the fruits of this crop in the treatment of infertility and problematic pregnancy. However, the beneficial properties of hornbeam are still poorly understood. Using this plant for medicinal purposes can lead to disruption of the functioning of the kidneys and digestive system, so such therapy should be approached with extreme caution, and it is best to consult a doctor.

Interesting Facts

Hornbeam is distinguished by a rather interesting wood, which, on the one hand, has fairly high strength and abrasion resistance, and, on the other hand, is not entirely suitable for widespread use due to its curvature. Usually, it is customary to make musical instruments, parquet, handles and much more from this wood. The plant itself looks very decorative - and is distinguished by a variety of landscape forms. Hornbeam bark is usually used as a tannin, and young shoots are used as animal feed.

In industry, it is customary to use not only a tree trunk as a source of wood, but also almost any of its parts:

• hornbeam foliage is used as fodder for livestock;
• the bark is used for the many tannins it contains;
• hornbeam leaves and nuts produce essential oils used in the cosmetic and food industries;
• Hornbeam flowers are used in pharmaceuticals.

Hornbeam is not just a crop valued for its decorative properties. Very often this tree is grown on a large industrial scale and for purposes. Its wood is valued as a building material and is used in the manufacture of furniture sets and musical instruments.

Many parts of the hornbeam (flowers, leaves, catkins) have medicinal properties and are used to prepare a wide variety of medicines - both in modern and folk medicine.

Hornbeam is not characterized by rapid growth - therefore, it is quite possible to grow it at home in a pot, since it is able to maintain the shape of its crown for a long time, given during the growth process. Such trees are often grown as bonsai, as they can withstand the most difficult conditions and require only minimal care.

How to grow hornbeam

Propagation of hornbeam by seeds is the most difficult but effective method.

1. The seeds are collected in the fall and wrapped in paper or cloth.
2. Store at cool temperature.
3. A month before planting, the seeds are warmed at room temperature, placed in water for a couple of days, and then planted in boxes with loose soil.

If the seeds were planted correctly, then after two weeks a seedling will appear. When it gets stronger, it will be possible to transplant the tree to a permanent place.

Propagation by cuttings

When propagating by cuttings, strong shoots are selected, and cuttings about twenty centimeters long are cut from them. This procedure is carried out in winter.

1. Store the cuttings in paper in a cool place.
2. Before planting in the ground, the cuttings are left at room temperature for several months.
3. It is worth placing them in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for a day; this will allow the plant to easily transfer the planting and protect it from parasites.
4. After this, the seedlings are then soaked in water.
5. Then they are planted in separate containers with moist soil.
6. And only after the first leaves appear, the tree can be transplanted to a regular place.

Reproduction by layering

Reproduction of hornbeam by layering is the most unstable option, so it is rarely used.

1. A hole is dug next to the hornbeam tree for the layering; the bottom of the groove should be well moistened and fertilized.
2. Young shoots are suitable for layering; a cut is made on them in the center, it needs to be fixed on the ground and covered, and watered on top.
3. If everything is done correctly, in a few weeks the root system will appear on the shoot and in the fall you can separate the shoot from the mother tree.

When to plant hornbeam

It is necessary to plant the plant before the first frost, so that the newly formed roots can gain strength.

Many agronomists advise planting in the spring, but this must be done before the first buds appear, then the plant will take root well.

Otherwise, it will have a bad effect on further development.

Planting a seedling

The most suitable place for planting a tree is a sunny area, moist and loosened soil..

• Before planting, the area is cleared of weeds, a hole of a suitable size is dug, and water is poured into it.
• After the soil settles, the pit is filled with dry leaves mixed with fertilizers and mixed with soil.
• The seedling is planted in pre-treated soil.

For your information. If several seedlings are planted, they are placed at a distance of thirty centimeters from each other.

Hornbeam care

In order for the seedling to grow favorably, the tree needs regular watering; mulch is placed around the tree to reduce moisture evaporation.

Hornbeam is not very picky about planting conditions; if you constantly water the seedling, after a while you can already observe the appearance of buds and the first leaves. The tree is quite unpretentious; it grows in almost any soil, less often in wetlands, just like the Russian birch tree.

There is no need to cut off the branches of the plant often, because it retains its given shape for a long time. It is necessary to remove dry and defective branches in the fall.

Attention! Hornbeam tolerates windy weather well, but does not tolerate drought very well, so during the dry period you should carefully monitor watering, but do not overwater the plant. The soil around the tree should be loosened and weeds removed.

Unsuitable hornbeam wood for processing, of low grade, is used in industry.

Wood fuel material is made from it. If you grow hornbeam correctly, it is perfect for decorating your garden plot, and its subsequent high-quality processing will become a wonderful material for making furniture.