Carpinus betulus, the European or common hornbeam, is a species of tree in the birch family Betulaceae, native to Western Asia and central, eastern, and southern Europe, including southern England. It requires a warm climate for good growth, and occurs only at elevations up to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). It grows in mixed stands with oak, and in some areas beech, and is also a common tree in scree forests. Hornbeam was also known as yoke elm. Together with Carpinus orientalis and Carpinus austrobalcanica, it is one of the three hornbeams found in Europe.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of European Hornbeam being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Carpinus orientalis
- Carpinus tschonoskii
- Carpinus caroliniana
- Carpinus putoensis
- Ostrya carpinifolia
- Fagus sylvatica
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Fagales
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Genus
- Carpinus
- Species
- Carpinus betulus
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo