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Common Name:

General Information

Carpinus laxiflora is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall
The plant is harvested from the wild for its wood and also for use as a cosmetic ingredient.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Mixed deciduous forests all over Japan[].

Properties

Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Carpinus species are generally tolerant of a wide range of soil types; they prefer a deep, open, moist but well-drained loam and can succeed in both clay and calcareous soils186, []. Plants, especially when young, do not demand much light[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, emollient and skin conditioner[].

The wood is hard and close grained. It is used for turnery, carving, furniture etc[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in an outdoors seedbed as soon as it is ripe[]. Germination is usually good, though it may take 18 months[]. If collected whilst still 'green' (after the seed is ripe but before it has dried fully on the plant) and sown immediately it should germinate in the following spring[]. Grow the plants on for two years in the seedbed and then plant them out into their permanent positions in the winter. The average seed viability is around 65%[].
Pre-treat stored seed with 4 weeks warm and 12 weeks cold stratification and sow in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall before planting them into their permanent positions.