5. Hornbeam

Common Name – Hornbeam

Latin Name - Carpinus betulus

Height -   24 to 30 Metres 

This native deciduous tree is very similar in appearance, to the Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) and can live for more than 300 years with an ultimate height at maturity of 30 metres.  The name Hornbeam is derived from Old English and refers to the hardiness of the timber; horn meaning ‘Hard’. 

The twigs are brown-grey in colour and are slightly hairy with the leaf buds similar in shape to the Beech tree, only shorter, and slightly more curved at the tips.  During autumn the leaves become golden yellow to orange before falling, the tree also produces female green catkins that develop into papery, green winged fruits, known as samaras.