Tree 16

Carpinus betulus

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Quick Facts

Genus: Carpinus

Species: betulus

Common Names: European Hornbeam

Mature Size: 15-25 metres
Height: 9 metres
Width: 10.5 metres
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 20+20+48 (3 stems)= 55cm

Age of Tree: Semi-mature, this tree is growing towards its mature size in this park.

Place of Origin: Western and Central Asia to eastern Europea

Plant Habit: Small to medium sized tree, with ascending stems

Growth Habit: Slow to medium growth, often with acute branch unions.

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Story

This tree could have been part of the original planting at Caledonian Park of 100 trees on the 25th of July 1905, or later according to a Master Plan, drawn up by a Mr Riddle around 1907 for the whole of Caledonian Park to the cost of Pounds 3 3/-.

Firstly the famous Mr Guilfoyle (of Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens fame) was asked but was not available and Mr Fleming from Taylor and Sangster in Macedon laid out the drive and paths.

Mr W.S. Riddle then prepared the master plan to scale. Unfortunately this plan is now lost.

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Horticultural Information

Preferred Conditions: A wide range of soil types, pH from 3.6-7.6; low soil fertility and clay soil.

Tolerances to dry condition, not tolerant of prolonged drought; does better in fertile soils with some protection form our hot western sun.

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Medium, this type of tree is rare as a street tree in Victoria.

Significance: To have an established tree of this type in the park and now in the street plantings, shows some originality is being shown in tree selection in this town.

Flowering Characteristics: Catkins, that are wind pollinated, a monecious trees, with both male and female flowers on the same tree.

Features: Foliage, leaves are simple, growing alternately along sems, 4-9cm long finely serrated and prominent veins, giving it a corrugated appearance. Autumn colour is yellowing to reds, leaves are retained for long periods during winter, brown in colour.

Bark: Smooth dark grey in colour, fluted as it ages.

Fruit is a nut 3-8mm long, surrounded by a three pointed, papery involucre 3-4cm long; they are pale green when they develop and mature to a pale brown.

Points of Interest: This type of tree is often used in topiary and pleaching, to create vegetative screens or attractive shaped specimens; in particular in French formal gardens. It has also been used as a coppice, to collect firewood and suitable wood materials.

Additional Notes

This type of tree has a shallow root system that often brakes above soil surface. It will sucker if impacted or injured; as can be seen in this park tree. The wood is hard and heavy, making good firewood. It is in use in construction and for tool handles in its home range.

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