Common Name: Oriental Hornbeam

General Information

Carpinus orientalis is a much-branched, large shrub or a small tree, usually growing around 1 - 5 metres tall, occasionally reaching 15 metres[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood. It is sometimes managed in coppice stands for the production of fire wood[].
Carpinus orientalis has a wide distribution and there are no known threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Europe to western Asia - Italy, the Balkans, through Greece and Turkey to the Caucasus and Iran

Habitat

Mainly along woodland margins, growing on dry and rocky slopes, usually in shallow, humus-poor or even rocky soils; at elevations up to 1,300 metres in Europe, but up to 2,500 metres in the Caucasus[, ]

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Semi-cultivated, 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[]. This species can succeed on drier soils and on soils of low fertility[]. It prefers calcareous soils and is frequently found growing in disturbed sites[]. Once established, the plant it is drought resistant[]. Plants are fairly tolerant of atmospheric pollution[].
The plant forms suckers near the base, often producing them freely[].
It is often managed in coppiced stands for the production of quality firewood and charcoal[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Carpinus orientalis is a natural pioneer species suitable for the reforestation and restoration of degraded dry lands. It is easily able to colonise open and degraded areas, and to regenerate vigorously, promoting its presence in disturbed habitats, such as after the exploitation of primary oak forests. It is found both as a dominating and as a secondary species in wood and shrub lands[].
The plant has a dense growth habit, tolerates some trimming and resprouts from the base if cut back. It can be grown to make an effective hedge[].

Other Uses

The wood is very hard, but because of its small size and bushy habit, this tree does not produce high value wood. It was used more in the past for making tool handles and other small household items[]
The wood makes a good quality fuel and is used for making charcoal[].

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.