Content
- What are the differences between beech and hornbeam?
- The main differences between beech and hornbeam
- Hornbeams do not get that big
- Beech and hornbeam on the leaves and fruits differ
- The differences in the strains
- Beech fruits are poisonous, hornbeam nutlets are not
- Hornbeams also thrive in unfavorable locations
- Tips
Hornbeams do not carry beechnuts
What are the differences between beech and hornbeam?
The hornbeam is often reckoned to beech due to its name and the similarity with beech trees. However, it is a very different tree species, as hornbeams belong to the birch family. What are the differences between the two trees?
The main differences between beech and hornbeam
Hornbeams do not get that big
Beech trees grow up to 40 meters high. Hornbeams stay much smaller at 25 meters. They are often found in the forest under beech, where they shade the beech trunk.
Beech and hornbeam on the leaves and fruits differ
Beech leaves are slightly ribbed and only slightly sawn at the edge. They turn orange yellow in the fall.
Hornbeam leaves are coarser, strongly grooved and sawn. They feel older. In autumn, the leaves of the hornbeam become golden yellow.
Hornbeam fruits are green and grow in grape form, while beechnuts are brown and stand alone.
The differences in the strains
In the young trees, the stems are still relatively similar. Later, a beech can be recognized by its very smooth, light gray trunk. Hornbeam trunks are brownish and much more cracked.
The wood of the beech is slightly reddish and turns red under steam. Hornbeam wood is almost white and much harder than beech wood. This has also given the tree the name white beech or beech.
Beech fruits are poisonous, hornbeam nutlets are not
Hornbeams contain no toxins, even in the fruits. In the beech, the leaves are non-toxic, but not the nutlets. They can trigger poisoning symptoms in humans and animals.
This difference plays an essential role when a new tree is to be planted in the area of playing children or grazing animals.
Hornbeams also thrive in unfavorable locations
Beech trees need a nutritious, slightly moist but loose and sunny to partially shaded location. Hornbeams are much more robust and thrive well on sandy soil in the shade.
Larger beech stands therefore grow mainly in southern Germany, while hornbeams occur more frequently in the north.
Tips
With regard to care and cutting ability, hornbeams and beeches do not differ from each other. Both trees are excellent hedge plants with beautiful autumn leaves. The foliage of both trees stays on the tree for a long time.