- The main differences between beech and hornbeam
- Hornbeams don't get that big
- Distinguish between beech and hornbeam by their leaves and fruit
- The differences in the tribes
- Beech fruits are poisonous, hornbeam nuts are not
- Hornbeams also thrive in unfavorable locations
The hornbeam is often counted among the beeches due to its name and the similarity with red beeches. However, it is a completely different tree species, because hornbeams belong to the birch family. What are the differences between the two trees?
Hornbeams do not carry beechnuts
The main differences between beech and hornbeam
- size
- leaves
- fruit
- tribe
- toxicity
- site conditions
Hornbeams don't get that big
Beeches grow up to 40 meters high. Hornbeams remain significantly smaller at 25 meters. They are often found in the forest under beeches, shading the trunk of the beech.
Distinguish between beech and hornbeam by their leaves and fruit
Beech leaves are slightly rippled and only slightly sawn at the edge. They turn orange-yellow in autumn.
Hornbeam leaves are coarser, heavily rippled and serrated. You feel older. In autumn, the foliage of the hornbeam turns golden yellow.
Hornbeam fruits are green and grow in bunches, while beechnuts are brown and stand alone.
The differences in the tribes
The trunks of the young trees 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 when exposed to steam. Hornbeam wood is almost white and much harder than beech wood. This has also brought the name hornbeam or hornbeam to the tree.
Beech fruits are poisonous, hornbeam nuts are not
Hornbeams do not contain any toxins, not even in the fruit. The leaves of beeches are non-toxic, but the nuts are not. They can cause symptoms of poisoning in humans and animals.
This difference plays an important role when a new tree is to be planted in the area where children are playing or where animals are grazing.
Hornbeams also thrive in unfavorable locations
Beeches need a nutritious, slightly moist but loose and sunny to semi-shady location. Hornbeams are much more robust and also thrive well on sandy soil in the shade.
Larger beech stocks therefore mainly grow in southern Germany, while hornbeams are more common in the north.
tips
Hornbeams and beeches do not differ from each other in terms of care and pruning ability. Both trees make excellent hedge plants with beautiful fall foliage. The leaves of both trees remain on the tree for a long time.