Horse bean, Horsebeam, Witch hazel
Carpinus betulus
Family: Betulaceae
What it is like
A tree that loses its leaves. It can grow 30 m high. It spreads 5 m across. The trunk is erect and stout. The bark is fluted and smooth and grey. The leaves are oval and taper to the tip. The leaves are 10 cm long and have a double set of teeth around the edge. There are hairs on the veins under the leaf. The male flowers are catkins. The female catkins hang down and are 14 cm long. The fruit are small nuts enclosed in a small cone.
There are about 35-40 Carpinus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It does well in shade. It needs moderate soil fertility. It is best in light, well-drained soil. It is resistant to drought and frost. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Azerbaijan, Britain, Caucasus (country/location of origin), Central Asia, Europe, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, Poland, Russia, San Marino, Scandinavia, Slovenia, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Ukraine
How it is used for food
The sap is used for a drink. The young leaves are used as a snack.
Edible parts
Sap, leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds, root suckers or by layering.
Its other names
Local names
Gyertyan, Navadni gaber