European Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
- Native to:
- Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine
Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Betulaceae
- Genus:
- Carpinus
- Species:
- Carpinus betulus
- USDA Symbol:
- CABE8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Luna moth (Actias luna)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Stigmella betulicola
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, caterpillars
- Fall Color:
- yellow, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers rich, organic matter in soil
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds exhibit embryo dormancy and benefit from cold-moist stratification. Germination can be erratic and may extend over two growing seasons.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months.