Carpinus betulus
Specifications
Family
Betulaceae
Species
Carpinus betulus L.
hornbeam
Description
Whitish in color, it has a very fine texture and irregular grain, due to the poor shape of the stems, which are often crooked and non-circular in cross-section (cordoned). Hard, compact, with a volumetric weight between 0.70 and 0.88.
Plant morphology
The hornbeam is a medium-sized tree, reaching 15–20 m in height, with a straight growth habit and elongated crown. Its trunk is grooved and ribbed, and has smooth, grayish bark. The leaves, arranged alternately, are simple, short-petiolate, and ovate-oblong in shape; their margins are finely and doubly toothed. In autumn, the leaves remain dry on the branches for a long time, especially on young plants. The flowers are unisexual, grouped in inflorescences (catkins), also unisexual and borne on the same individual (monoecious). The male flowers are squat and pendulous; the female flowers are short, located just below the apex of the branches in pairs on bracts and bracteoles, which in the fruit become the trilobed bract typical of the species. The fruit is an achene containing a single, wingless seed. This is a short-lived species, which can reach a lifespan of 150 years.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Western Europe: the range is limited to the north by Sweden and to the east by Russia.
Habitat and ecology
It tolerates shade but requires moderately high temperatures and is very demanding on soil. Together with the English oak, it forms the oak-hornbeam forest, a once dominant association in the Po Valley.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
Hornbeam wood is difficult to work, partly because it often cracks and warps during drying. Despite this, it is sought after for shoe lasts, textile tools, pianos, and road paving. It is an excellent fuel.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Linked to habitat destruction: in the lowland areas, oak and hornbeam forests are now very rare.
Conservation measures
Safeguarding oak and hornbeam areas.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2014
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2014
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Not obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
800
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
82
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
143
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
120
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
12000
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Not durable