A sturdy and elegant tree
The hornbeam is a tree of simple elegance. It is as strong as iron and provides privacy when planted as a hedge. Its gnarled trunk and foliage—soft green in spring and golden yellow in fall—make it a striking specimen. Stunning as a specimen tree, it responds very well to pruning and is an excellent choice for topiary (the art of shaping plants into sculptures). Hornbeams are so hardy that the expression “to be as healthy as a hornbeam” is directly inspired by them.
Hornbeam is one of the best types of firewood: it is a very dense wood with a very high calorific value. However, it is now being phased out in favor of other species that grow more quickly. From an industrial standpoint, it is used to make paper pulp and wood fiber panels. In the past, it was used to make tool handles and small objects (piano parts, measuring instruments, etc.). The hornbeam is a welcome host for garden wildlife, providing shelter and food for insects and birds.
Common charm is native to Europe, Turkey, and Ukraine; it is a very rustic species that is widespread in Central Europe.
