European Hornbeam

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01-16     European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a classic hard-wooded 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. Its wood 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 Karlsaue, Germany, made famous as a landmark during the American bombing runs of World War II.

Location:

39.819567 N, 89.659732 W

Get walking directions here!

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