Carpinus betulus Hornbeam

Hornbeam is a small, catkin-bearing, deciduous tree with smooth bark and toothed, pointed leaves that are somewhat pleated. In winter it resembles a small Beech (Fagus sylvatica). It is a widespread tree in Europe where it can form dominant stands in woodlands on heavy clay and it is often coppiced, particularly for charcoal production. Hornbeam wood is extremely hard (hornbeam means hard tree) and sawing through it is heavy work. It is also highly calorific and makes good firewood. In Britain it is probably only native in the south-east of England but it has been planted widely and it is a familiar tree in parks, woodlands and hedges. It is scattered throughout West Glamorgan with some good examples in Gnoll Estate Country Park. It often produces abundant fruit.

Neophyte