Tree 2

Carpinus betulus

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Quick Facts

Genus: Carpinus

Species: betulus

Common Names: European Hornbeam

Mature Size: 15-25 metres
Height: 8.6 metres
Width: 8 metres
Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 37cm

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

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

Believed to have been planted around the 1940’s or 1950’s, organized by Mr A. A. McLean, Shire Engineer. To have an established tree of this type in the street plantings, shows some originality in tree selection.

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.

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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 from our hot western sun.

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

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: 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.

Additional Notes

This type of tree has a shallow root system that often brakes above soil surface. It will sucker if impacted or injured; 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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