Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam

Commonly known as Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus is a large deciduous tree. I came across this particular Hornbeam in Manchester’s UMIST campus, however, have since discovered it in most public spaces – it is frequently planted in parks and gardens. It has a silvery grey bark with deep fissures lower down. I found this particular hornbeam early spring, however if spotted in autumn, they would be found to have yellow through orange to russet brown leaves.  Its branches are densely packed and rather twisted.  If planted in hedgerows, it will retain its leaves long into the winter. Hornbeam is tolerant of heavy clay soils.