01-16 This European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is an understory tree from Europe that is closely related to our native American hornbeam. It can attain great age, but only moderate size, and is very picturesque with beautiful smooth bark, very fine texture, sinuous growth habit, and attractive papery fruits. It historically was used for tool handles and other items that required small pieces of smooth, hard, very strong wood. We grew this specimen from seed of an ancient wild tree in the Park Wilhelmshoehe in Kassel, Germany, made famous as a landmark during the American bombing runs of World War II, and it was planted here to honor the Friends of the Homeless.
Location:
39.827036 N, 89.658437 W
Get walking directions here!
oakridgecemeterytrees.com 