- structure of the fruit
- When are the fruits of the hornbeam ripe?
- Propagate hornbeams from nuts yourself
- Sow hornbeams
- Frequent cutting prevents the fruit from ripening
- The nut of the hornbeam is not poisonous
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Since the hornbeam, despite its name, is not a beech but a birch tree, it does not bear any beechnuts. The fruits are nuts, so-called wing nuts. In contrast to the fruits of the common beech, the fruits of the hornbeam are not poisonous. They are even edible.
The fruits of the hornbeam are not poisonous
structure of the fruit
The fruit of the hornbeam consists of a small nut, about one centimeter long, surrounded by a three-lobed leaf. The initially green leaf supplies the nut with nutrients.
As soon as the fruit is ripe, the bract turns brown and dries up.
When are the fruits of the hornbeam ripe?
Hornbeam seeds ripen in September and October. They are blown off the tree by the wind. The wrapper acts like a propeller that blows the nut up to a kilometer away.
In its new location, it stays in the ground for up to two years until it germinates. The fruits inhibit germination and only open if they have survived a longer period of frost.
Propagate hornbeams from nuts yourself
If you want to propagate hornbeams yourself, you can try sowing new trees from the fruit of the tree.
To do this, you need the seed, which you can find in the forest or on field borders. If you are already growing a hornbeam in the garden, you can also harvest nuts here.
To overcome the germination inhibition, you must ensure a cold spell. Place the nuts in a dark container in the fridge for a few weeks or sow them on the spot.
Sow hornbeams
When sowing seeds outdoors, you need to remember that many animals like to harvest hornbeam fruits. There is a risk that squirrels and mice will eat the nuts. Therefore, sow the fruits in small pots that you place in a shady place.
- Prepare small pots with garden soil
- Do not soak seeds too deeply
- Set up the pot in the shade
- keep soil moistured
- if necessary, cover with leaves or straw.
It takes up to two years for the seed to germinate and for a new hornbeam to begin to grow.
Frequent cutting prevents the fruit from ripening
If the hornbeam is pulled in the hedge, you usually wait in vain for blossoms and subsequent fruit. Frequent pruning in spring and summer will remove the buds.
The nut of the hornbeam is not poisonous
While unroasted beech nuts can cause slight symptoms of poisoning when eaten, the fruits of the hornbeam are even edible.
Hornbeam fruits also do not pose any danger to animals, especially horses. The trees are therefore very suitable for planting in pastures.
tips
Hornbeams are monoecious, which means that male and female flowers grow on the tree. The female flower is inconspicuous. The male flower, on the other hand, is very conspicuous because it has the shape of a kitten.