Hornbeams are hardwood trees in the family Betulaceae (birch) and the flowering plant genus Carpinus. ... Both are understory trees and can grow in shade to partial-shade, share a similar leaf shape, are known for having very hard wood, distinctive bark, showy catkins, and yellow-to-orange-to-red fall leaf color.

What does hornbeam tree look like?

It is smooth, like the Beech, but is patterned with distinctive silver-grey vertical lines. Male catkins appear in spring and the bracts that held the fruit hang on the tree through winter. A mature Common Hornbeam in August. The leaf has a very fine point at the end which is sometimes twisted over.

What is hornbeam used for?

In addition to its uses in turnery (chess pieces, etc.), Hornbeam is used in cutting boards, tools, soles for wooden planes, veneer and parquet flooring. It is also used in gearing for simple machines such as primitive windmills as well as wooden screws and wedges. Hornbeam is also used in piano actions.