The leaf of the hornbeam is similar to that of the common beech, although this comes from a different plant family. However, there are some small differences that you can use to determine whether you are looking at a hornbeam or a copper beech.

The sawn edge makes it easy to see the leaf of the hornbeam

This is how the leaf of the hornbeam is structured

  • Length: 4 to 10 cm
  • Width: 2 to 4 cm
  • Colour: green, yellow in autumn
  • Shape: ovoid oval
  • Special feature: sawn leaf edge

Difference to the leaves of the common beech

The leaves of the copper beech are also green, unless it is a special form of copper beech with red leaves. The leaf shape of both trees is so similar that they are often confused.

The difference is that the leaves of the common beech sprout earlier than those of the hornbeam. The leaf of the hornbeam does not shine quite as much.

The structure of hornbeam leaves appears somewhat coarser and the leaf feels "older". The foliage of the hornbeam turns bright yellow in autumn, while the leaves of the common beech take on an orange-red color.

Different colors throughout the year

Hornbeams offer a different sight in every season, regardless of the budding and the respective pruning.

Leaf color changes throughout the year. When they sprout, the leaf is a whole, delicate light green and has a slight hairiness. In summer it turns a bright green.

In autumn, the hornbeam leaves turn yellow. They then dry up and hang brown on the tree until spring.

The leaf of the hornbeam stays on the tree for a long time

A special feature makes the hornbeam a popular hedge plant. The leaves stay on the tree for a long time. They may look brown and dried out, but they still provide good privacy protection.

Many garden beneficial insects overwinter in the withered leaves. This fact also makes the hornbeam a valuable garden plant.

The last brown leaves only fall off when the hornbeam sprout again in early spring. Shiny brown new shoots then appear, on which the tender green fresh leaves grow.

Brown foliage on hornbeams

It is normal for the leaves of the hornbeam to turn brown and dry out in winter because the hornbeam is not an evergreen tree.

If the hornbeam turns brown beforehand, fungal diseases can be responsible.

Hornbeams tolerate periods of drought and even flooding for a short time. However, if the tree is left too damp or too dry for too long, the leaves will also turn brown and dry out prematurely.

tips

The fruit of the hornbeam, a nut, is also surrounded by a leaf. The cotyledon initially encloses the fruit and supplies it with nutrients. In autumn the leaf opens and serves as a propeller, with which the nut is blown to a place far away from the tree.

Category:

Trees