Carpinus

The genus Hornbeam (Carpinus) consists of about 35 species - deciduous monoecious trees. The most common of them is the common hornbeam, or European (Carpinus betulus). This is a frost-resistant species with a characteristic trunk covered with silvery-white bark, which often and abundantly produces green shoots (lush erect shoots are formed directly from the roots), with a beautiful dense crown. Simple oval, with regular pinnate venation, the leaves are toothed along the edge, dark green, pubescent on the underside. Drying out, the leaves remain hanging on the branches for a long time. Dioecious (male and female) flowers are formed on the same plant: staminate-without perianth in green-reddish up to 6 cm long catkins of bract scales, pistillate in thin short catkins, two in the axil of the bract scales. Blooms simultaneously with the opening of the leaves. The fruit is a single-seeded nut with a three-lobed wrapper. Decorative forms are especially valuable: pyramidal, columnar, weeping, lobe-leaved, purple.

The genus Hornbeam (Carpinus) consists of about 35 species - deciduous monoecious trees.

The most common of them is the common hornbeam, or European (Carpinus betulus). This is a frost-resistant species with a characteristic trunk covered with silvery-white bark, which often and abundantly produces green shoots (lush erect shoots are formed directly from the roots), with a beautiful dense crown. Simple oval, with regular pinnate venation, the leaves are toothed along the edge, dark green, pubescent on the underside. Drying out, the leaves remain hanging on the branches for a long time. Dioecious (male and female) flowers are formed on the same plant: staminate-without perianth in green-reddish up to 6 cm long catkins of bract scales, pistillate in thin short catkins, two in the axil of the bract scales. Blooms simultaneously with the opening of the leaves. The fruit is a single-seeded nut with a three-lobed wrapper. Decorative forms are especially valuable: pyramidal, columnar, weeping, lobe-leaved, purple.

Cultivation

Hornbeams grow slowly, they are cultivated outdoors in parks and gardens, for hedges (they can easily withstand pruning), for" building " green walls, in solitary plantings. Due to their resistance to diseases and pests, as well as to environmental pollution, they are used in planting along city streets. In cold climates, hornbeams are planted in November, and in temperate climates-in February-March. Any soil is suitable, usually fertile, rich in organic matter and well drained. Top Dressing of plants is not required. In hedges, plant hornbeams, observing the distance between them in 40-50 cm. Tapeworm plants are usually not pruned. Hedges are pruned annually in the summer to maintain the desired shape and height.

Location

Hornbeams are planted both in the open sun and in partial shade; plants are generally shade-tolerant.

Temperature

Extremely resistant to both high and low air temperatures; well tolerate frost.

Watering

It is not required, except for very long droughts.

Reproduction

It is propagated by seeds and shoots. Despite the fact that seed germination is long and uneven, the most common method is sowing in the open ground in September-October. Next fall, the seedlings are thinned out, and finally planted in 3-4 years.

Diseases

Most types and decorative forms are not damaged by insects and do not suffer from diseases.

Acquisition

Hornbeam and various decorative forms it is easy to find in specialized nurseries and gardening centers. The best time to buy them is autumn or spring, when they can immediately be planted in a permanent place in the ground. Choose plants of small size (these are easy to take root), well-formed and strong.