As hard as nails
Country Life UK|November 22, 2023
Known as ironwood thanks to its ability to blunt saws, the densely muscular hornbeam is often overlooked and frequently misidentified
Vicky Liddell
As hard as nails

IN the middle of ancient woodlands, in the company of venerable oaks, the hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) can live for up to 300 years if left undisturbed, growing into an elegantly shaped tree. When pollarded, hornbeams can live even longer, taking on increasingly wild and anarchic shapes.

The tree’s dense musculature is menacing and, as it ages, its pale-grey trunk becomes fluted.

The hornbeam is a member of the Betulaceae family and was one of the last trees to arrive in Britain before rising sea levels cut us off from mainland Europe after the last Ice Age. Planted specimens may be seen all over the country, but their native range is the South and East of England in heavy clay soils. The name is derived from the strength of its timber: ‘horn’ meaning hard and ‘beam’ a tree in old English.

Confusion over the tree’s identity probably stems from its similarity to the beech tree, which often accompanies it, but, when examined closely, there are key differences. Where beech leaves are glossy with wavy edges, hornbeam leaves are matte green with deeply etched, almost pleated veins and a distinct toothed edge. The hornbeam is also a much smaller tree, up to 98ft, with a more symmetrical appearance and a distinctive conical crown, like a playing card spade.

Bu hikaye Country Life UK dergisinin November 22, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Country Life UK dergisinin November 22, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

COUNTRY LIFE UK DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Tales as old as time
Country Life UK

Tales as old as time

By appointing writers-in-residence to landscape locations, the National Trust is hoping to spark in us a new engagement with our ancient surroundings, finds Richard Smyth

time-read
2 dak  |
November 13, 2024
Do the active farmer test
Country Life UK

Do the active farmer test

Farming is a profession, not a lifestyle choice’ and, therefore, the Budget is unfair

time-read
3 dak  |
November 13, 2024
Night Thoughts by Howard Hodgkin
Country Life UK

Night Thoughts by Howard Hodgkin

Charlotte Mullins comments on Moght Thoughts

time-read
2 dak  |
November 13, 2024
SOS: save our wild salmon
Country Life UK

SOS: save our wild salmon

Jane Wheatley examines the dire situation facing the king of fish

time-read
3 dak  |
November 13, 2024
Into the deep
Country Life UK

Into the deep

Beneath the crystal-clear, alien world of water lie the great piscean survivors of the Ice Age. The Lake District is a fish-spotter's paradise, reports John Lewis-Stempel

time-read
4 dak  |
November 13, 2024
It's alive!
Country Life UK

It's alive!

Living, burping and bubbling fermented masses of flour, yeast and water that spawn countless loaves—Emma Hughes charts the rise and rise) of sourdough starters

time-read
4 dak  |
November 13, 2024
There's orange gold in them thar fields
Country Life UK

There's orange gold in them thar fields

A kitchen staple that is easily taken for granted, the carrot is actually an incredibly tricky customer to cultivate that could reduce a grown man to tears, says Sarah Todd

time-read
3 dak  |
November 13, 2024
True blues
Country Life UK

True blues

I HAVE been planting English bluebells. They grow in their millions in the beechwoods that surround us—but not in our own garden. They are, however, a protected species. The law is clear and uncompromising: ‘It is illegal to dig up bluebells or their bulbs from the wild, or to trade or sell wild bluebell bulbs and seeds.’ I have, therefore, had to buy them from a respectable bulb-merchant.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 13, 2024
Oh so hip
Country Life UK

Oh so hip

Stay the hand that itches to deadhead spent roses and you can enjoy their glittering fruits instead, writes John Hoyland

time-read
4 dak  |
November 13, 2024
A best kept secret
Country Life UK

A best kept secret

Oft-forgotten Rutland, England's smallest county, is a 'Notswold' haven deserving of more attention, finds Nicola Venning

time-read
3 dak  |
November 13, 2024